Brentwood Baptist News: Brentwood http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com en-us Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:42:19 GMT Last fall, 180 people showed up in the Spring Hill area to come together for the very first Spring Hill Area City Prayer Gathering. That launch was just the beginning. The second event will take place on Thursday, February 2 from 6:30–8:00 p.m., hosted by the Church At Station Hill.

The event is tagged "One Church, Many Congregations," according to Jay Strother, Pastor at Station Hill Church. He said, "The pastors of 12 local congregations will facilitate a time of worship and focused prayer for our families, churches, community, nation, and world."

The area pastors' prayer group focuses on three major areas that they believe will positively affect their community with the gospel:

• Authentic Relationships – Area pastors and churches working shoulder-to-shoulder.


• Intentional Prayer – The reason why they decided to host a second prayer gathering.


• Service to Spring Hill – For example, working with the Parks and Recreation Department, their combined congregations provided the manpower, food, entertainment, inflatable games, and more for City Fest so families could have free, safe entertainment one Saturday a month this past summer.

"A unifying Scripture for us is Psalm 133:1: 'How blessed it is when brothers walk together in unity,'" Jay said. "We're blessed and excited to see churches working together instead of apart."]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2012/02-02/station-hill-hosts-spring-hill-area-city-prayer-gathering http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2012/02-02/station-hill-hosts-spring-hill-area-city-prayer-gathering In October 2011, our first mission team journeyed to Israel. They walked in the footsteps of some of our Old and New Testament favorites (and not so favorites). They surveyed the valley of Armageddon where the it will all come to a close one day. They took snapshots—mentally and digitally—of the places where Jesus lived, died, and rose again.

Today, seven million people populate Israel. Three million of those are Muslim and four million are Jewish. And of the four million Jews there, 15,000 are Messianic—the fastest-growing demographic in any country.

It all began last year when some of our ministers went on a worldwide tour, scouting out new places to begin new partnerships. They met with three Messianic Jewish pastors in three congregations around Israel. From the start, these Israeli pastors were sold on the Brentwood Baptist-perfected Marketplace ministry.

Sharon Fairchild, Brentwood Baptist International Missions Minister, and Scott Harris, Brentwood Baptist Missions Minister, decided to send the first team to partner with a Messianic congregation. They recruited Dora Pop, Brentwood Baptist Missions Ministry Assistant, to take last year's Vacation Bible School curriculum and tweak it using Marketplace methods.

Vacation Bible School
In October, a team of 18 landed in the Holy Land and set up shop for a 4-day, 4-hour Vacation Bible School with 35 children from ages 5–12 that was closed to the public for safety reasons.

Each morning opened with worship followed by a biblical drama and small groups. The children received a bag of shekels and shopped at five different booths—carpentry, bracelet-making, wool-making, a dye shop, and pottery—and stopped by Mary's house for a story and snack. Then, each day ended with a closing rally.

"Children have much more liberty there," Sharon said. "At 18 years old, every Israeli has to enter the military. Since parents don't know what will happen to their children, they give them more freedom than American parents do. Those children tend to be a lot more mature as well because of their circumstances and the political issues surrounding them. They have to grow up quicker."

Ann Edwards, Brentwood Baptist Preschool Minister, was on the team. She said that even though the children are forced to grow up quicker under the cautious protection of their parents, the educational expectations aren't nearly as high as they are in the United States. For that reason, the team had to adjust to their culture.

"Most of them know Jesus is the Messiah, but they have a hard time understanding Him as 'personal Savior,'" Ann said. "We had to adjust everything—even our vocabulary. Instead of 'Jesus,' we said 'Yeshua,' and instead of 'Christian,' we said 'believer.' They didn't have a Bible or pictures in the room so we provided those resources for them as well. That's why taking Marketplace to them was so important."

The team left behind resources and crafts for the children, and, according to Ann, perhaps a few teaching methods for the adults to use.

She said, "Next year, I see us taking what we've done here and leaving it with them—Bible games, puzzles, crafts. I see us teaching them Bible skills for younger and older kids. We can make an impact on how they teach."

Visiting Biblical Sites
When the team clocked out at 1:00 p.m. each day, they immediately hopped a tour bus to see the sites, eating lunch on the way. Sharon said, "Doing all the touristy stuff really gave us a vision for the next team and gave us a taste of Israeli life across the board. It helped us plan for the next trip."

They visited famous biblical sites such as the Valley of Armageddon, the five Mounts (Moray, Tabor, Gilboa, Nazareth, and Caramel), Golgotha, Peter's house, Mount of Beatitudes, Nazareth, Garden of Gethsemane, Hezekiah's Tunnel, Pool of Siloam, Garden Tomb, Bethlehem, the supposed places of His birth and resurrection, and more.

Even though Jerusalem and the surrounding areas are now highly commercialized, the team knew each place they visited held rich biblical stories they'd heard since childhood.

"Every day, we went home with dirty feet because we all wore flip flops," Dora said. "Regardless of how we were marketed to, we all had to wash our feet at the end of the day. It still made you think that Jesus and His followers had to do the same thing too when they went home at night."

Team members felt like their eyes and hearts were opened to a whole new world in regards to their faith in Christ. Their Westernized pre-conceived notions of who Jesus was were irrevocably altered. After all, Jesus was a Jew. He came out of that culture. He lived in their world. He observed their holidays and practiced their traditions.

"Scripture moved into a new light for me because there was a new meaning to the people of Israel—His chosen ones," Dora said. "Yes, Jesus came for the world and for Gentiles, but He really came for the Jews. We just got to adopt Him. He came for them, yet we're the ones who believe. I was captivated by the fact that God sent Americans to Israel to tell them their Messiah had already come for them."

Looking Ahead
The Messianic Jewish movement in Israel is still relatively new. They foundation isn't completely set yet. The team hopes they added another layer of solidity during their visit—and look forward to adding more in the days ahead.

"Ultimately, we were there to share the love of Christ with all those in that congregation—especially the children. Hopefully, we paved the way for future teams that come after us," said Royce.

This year, the Missions Ministry hopes to return and thereby offer more opportunities for members to participate in Marketplace and construction mission journeys.

"We were really able to earn a level of trust that they'd never given anyone else before," Sharon said. "There's so much we can be involved in there in the future. We can be the bridge between Jews and Messianic Jews. We can be the bridge between Jesus and those who don't know Him."

Team Member Testimonies
Alicia Ludwig
"Seeing the sites was great, but there was something about the people and their culture and their love for their children and how they want to bless them. The Bible came to life. I feel like my relationship with God was so close there. He came to life there. I explained it to my mom like this: it was as if I were having coffee with her while we were on the phone as compared to going up to Minneapolis and actually sitting down to be with her and have coffee. Now, I read the Bible differently and can't put it down."

Ann Edwards
"The entire time, I kept going back to the Scripture passage: 'If you love and care for my children, I will bless you.' When the children of the congregation came forward, the pastors went to every child in the congregation and put their hand on each child's head and blessed each child. I saw that act role-played by two older children. It was a playful thing, but they still made the connection. They pretended to bless each other. We role play what we're learning, so one day we'll actually exhibit that behavior. I thought that was a pretty spectacular moment."

Dora Pop
"It was life changing for everybody. The biggest moment for me was when we were at Megiddo at the Mount. When I think of Bible times, I think of huge spaces and hundreds of miles here and 500 there. The Valley of Armageddon was there before us and you could look out and see Nazareth as well as where the final battle is going to be as well as where Elijah called down fire. It all happened right there in a matter of miles.

Royce Harrell
"Having the commentary and interpretations from our guide while we stood at the places described in Scripture made it come alive for me. Several weeks ago, I was reading in the Old Testament when Josiah was king of Judah. He and his army went out to do battle with King Neco of Egypt on the plain of Megiddo. I knew exactly where they fought! It would've been just another name before, but now I know where it happened. It came to life for me."

Sharon Fairchild
"It was one of the best discipleship experiences I've ever had. It all came home for me when we went to the wailing wall. We saw all the Jewish sects and their religious traditionalism. They were praying and singing for the Messiah to come. It's the closest they can get to the holy of holies. I just wanted to say to them, 'He's already here! He's already come! And He can live inside your heart.' I have a new burden for the people who go to that wall—that the Lord would open their eyes to see He's here."

Get details or sign up for the upcoming Vacation Bible School Mission Journey from September 27–October 6 or Construction Mission Journey (of Baptist Village in Jerusalem) from October 6–13. Contact Sharon Fairchild at 615.324.6245 or e-mail her.]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2012/01-23/first-mission-journey-to-israel-paves-the-way-for-two-more-this-year http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2012/01-23/first-mission-journey-to-israel-paves-the-way-for-two-more-this-year It's unusually warm in Nashville for January, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s—especially compared to the Blizzard of 2011 this time last year. But that won't stop more than 100 girls from standing by the annual Snowball Retreat name this weekend with no snow in sight.

This year's theme is "A Change of Mind." The middle school and high school girls, along with 25 leaders, will spend the next two days at Camp Widjiwagan, located on Percy Priest Reservoir in Nashville.

Amy-Jo Girardier said, "We're excited to be focusing on some vital biblical truths that every girl and woman needs to hear. We'll focus on the thought life that impacts the heart and soul. As we do this, we'll dig into God's Word to learn how to think on things that are true, praise-worthy, excellent, and noble, instead of dwelling on things that are false, ugly, demeaning, and not of God."

SaraBeth Geoghegan, a recording artist from Nashville, will be back this year to lead worship. And Hayley DiMarco will headline the weekend getaway as the guest speaker.

Hayley is the best-selling author of more than 30 books, including Dateable, Marriable, Mean Girls, Sexy Girls, God Girl, and The Woman of Mystery. Featured at large events like Women of Faith, Precept National Women's Convention, and MOPS International Leadership Convention, she's in tune with issues facing teens and young women in America.

To add to the already full weekend, the girls will participate in a prayer experience, small groups, and extra-curricular activities, including Turkey Bowling and Cow Tongue Football.

Amy-Jo said, "Begin to pray now that we experience God in new and exciting ways this weekend as we focus on what it means to love with God's love in all of our relationships. We're praying for a great weekend together of worship, fellowship, ministry, and opportunities to foster new and old friendships between the girls."]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2012/01-20/snowball-girls-retreat-plows-ahead-this-weekend-sans-snow http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2012/01-20/snowball-girls-retreat-plows-ahead-this-weekend-sans-snow

When Mary and Joseph made the trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem, there wasn't a biblical account of a grueling trip or an insensitive innkeeper who turned them away upon their arrival. The fact is, they were far from home and had to find alternative sleeping arrangements (and subsequently, a second-rate birthing locale).

All over Nashville, homeless men and women wander the streets—far from any type of home and in need of a bed each night. They're really not so different from Mary and Joseph. They're just normal people, struggling to do better in life and looking for a little hospitality.

That's why Room in the Inn was created. And that's why Brentwood Baptist partners with this local ministry each Monday night, from November to March, during the coldest months of the year, offering refuge on our campus to 28 homeless men.

Working from a random lottery system, two buses roll through downtown Nashville each week to pick up the men and bring them back to Brentwood Baptist.

Nathan Melton, Room in the Inn Coordinator for Brentwood Baptist, said, "I'm so grateful to say that the first two months of the season have gone by relatively smooth. We're blessed to be able to say we've filled 224 beds over that time. Some men have been repeat guests…but it seems like there are more new faces than I expected. Hopefully, that's a sign that this ministry is the stepping stone these men need to get them on to the next phase in their lives."

On campus, the men are given a warm meal, clean clothes, a hot shower, and a place to sleep for the night. Volunteers—including men, women, children, and families—work together behind the scenes to make the evening happen, sitting down with the men over the meal to hear their stories, pray with them, and be a friend.

Phillip Lee, a new member of the core volunteer team this year, said, "As you listen, you find most are there because of bad decisions, but are trying hard to recover. Most of the people aren't bums looking for a handout. They're looking for a hand up. They're very much like me, but…I can get up from the table and go to my own home and go to bed. I hope they get as much of a blessing out of this as I do."

Lee Ragland, a seasoned volunteer, said, "If you've ever sat at the dinner table on Monday night with these gentle men, listened to their stories, and perhaps seen the face of God smiling through their broken teeth and weathered faces, you'd realize we're no different. Sure, we may smell better and have on cleaner clothes, but in all reality, we're all broken. And, like these souls who've been discarded by society, we have a need to be spared and salvaged too. We, too, need God's grace and salvation."

Right now, the clothing needs for men who come to our campus are great. You can help by dropping off the following new or gently used items at Entrance C:

• Warm coats (Sizes XL+)
• Hoodies (sizes XL+)
• Long-sleeve shirts (dress shirts or polo-style) (sizes XXL+)
• Belts (sizes 30–52)
• Long johns (sizes Medium and up)
• Boxer underwear (sizes medium and up)
• Knit ski caps
• Heavy winter gloves
• Backpacks
• Tennis shoes and work boots
• Jeans (sizes 34–38)
• Hand warmers
• Deodorant

If you'd like to volunteer on Monday nights—driving a bus, serving meals, washing, drying, and folding clothes, talking with the men, and more—contact Nathan Melton, Room in the Inn Coordinator, or Becky Gross, Community Missions Minister.

Story by Kaylan Christopher]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2012/01-13/room-in-the-inn-needs-grow-as-cold-weather-moves-in http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2012/01-13/room-in-the-inn-needs-grow-as-cold-weather-moves-in Let's play a game. Can you guess the name of the special someone (pictured above) who's served on staff at Brentwood Baptist for the last 30 years?

Here are your clues:

• She's originally from Florence, South Carolina.
• She received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Coker College in South Carolina.
• She received her master's degree in religious education from Wake Forest Theological Seminary in North Carolina.
• She started on the Brentwood Baptist staff as the Preschool & Children's Minister (and the first female) and served in that role for 18 years.
• Today, she serves as the Senior Adult/Congregational Care Minister.
• In between the her first role and the most current, she's served as Minister of Family Life and Minister of Small Groups.
• She's married to David, and they have three daughters: Amy, Sara, and Laura Anne.

Give up?

It's Gayle Haywood!

This weekend, we're honoring and celebrating Gayle for 30 years of faithful service on our church staff. She's been an instrumental, key player in the development of several ministries and has worn numerous ministerial hats throughout the years.

Aaron Bryant, Kairos Pastor and longtime member of Brentwood Baptist, said, "Gayle was my children's minister when I was a small child. I watched her love the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. I watched her love God and people and sacrificially serve and minister to everyone that God brought into her sphere of influence."

Most current adult attenders who once grew up within the walls of Brentwood Baptist remember her for the Sunday morning children's messages she shared from the stage.

Shannon Hoppe said, "Those stories on Sunday mornings were a foundational part of our upbringing. We went down to the front and Ms. Gayle would say, 'Let's talk to God.' That's something I take with me now, with my own children. I can't tell you how many times I've said, 'Let's talk to God.'"

Shannon's husband, Neil, added, "Gayle taught me about Advent. She lit the Advent candles here every year for many, many years. I've actually started a petition to have Gayle light the candles again—to reinstate her as the Advent candle-lighter."

"I still remember running down the aisle on Sunday mornings to listen to her give the children's sermon. She made the Bible stories come alive. I've always appreciated how kind and warm and welcoming she is," said Tiffany Evins. "My favorite memory of her is when I was seven years old and I knew I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart. We asked Gayle to come over and help me through the salvation prayer. I just really appreciated her making that time with me, sitting with me, and explaining to me what it means to be a Christian."

That's not the only reason Tiffany is grateful for Gayle. She's been a recipient of Gayle's influence in more ways than one over the past 20 years.

After 25 years of ministry in 2007, the RockBridge Foundation set up the Gayle Haywood Scholarship Fund in Gayle's honor to assist seminary students.

"I'm so thankful they set up a special fund to honor Gayle and her service to the church," Tiffany said. "I'm one of the people who has been blessed to receive a grant, which has supported me as I've been studying in seminary full-time with the hope of entering into full-time ministry."

From young and old alike, Gayle Haywood is remembered at Brentwood Baptist Church for many things.

"I respect Gayle. I love her. And I'm grateful for her influence in my life," Aaron said. "When I think about someone who has helped point me toward Christ, it's definitely Gayle. The main reason is because she looks a whole lot like Him. She embodies what I believe Jesus looked like when He walked on this earth."

Thank you, Gayle, from the entire church family for your 30 years of faithful service and ministry to this body of Christ and beyond.

Click here to give online to the Gayle Haywood Scholarship Fund in honor of her 30 years of ministry. Or, on Sunday, you can fill out a blue envelope found in the back of the pew, check RockBridge Foundation and write "Haywood Fund" on it, and place it in the plate as it's passed during the offering time. ]]> Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2012/01-06/brentwood-baptist-minister-celebrates-30-years-on-staff http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2012/01-06/brentwood-baptist-minister-celebrates-30-years-on-staff

Many in the community surrounding Set Free Church Nashville will certainly have a Merry Christmas, thanks to the donations of those who helped make a Christmas Toy Store possible on Saturday, December 17.

Twenty-five large boxes of toys were collected and taken to Set Free Church Nashville in downtown where the event took place. When the store finally closed, 100 families had made their way through the line, which means 347 children will now receive Christmas gifts, including 42 bicycles donated by the Royal Ambassadors program at Forest Hills Baptist Church.

Keely Boggs, Kairos Missions Coordinator, said, "Most of the parents don't have the means to purchase Christmas gifts for their children. While the parents shopped, the kids played outside. Tables were marked with different ages where they could pick out gifts. Each child got one large gift, one small gift, a clothing item (while they lasted), and stocking stuffers."

Several from Brentwood Young Children's School (BYCS), Kairos, Preschool LIFE Groups, Project 615, and more served as personal shoppers and more to the long line that continued to grow outside the Set Free building throughout the day.

Mandy Hart, a Kairos volunteer who served, met many moms and dads during the event, but one particularly left an imprint. Courtney, a young, quiet mother of three, entered the toy store where Mandy was waiting to serve as her personal shopper. She scanned the room quickly, leaned in to Mandy, and said, "I was really hoping to get one of those bikes for my daughter."

"I said, 'Of course! Let's go grab one,'" Mandy said. "My response seemed to shock her, so I took her hand and we stepped toward the bikes. I grabbed a 'girl' one—complete with tassels. As I turned around, she raised her hand to cover her mouth in disbelief and began crying. … I gave her a hug and we both stood there a moment with tears in our eyes."

Overwhelmed, the young mother said, "Tomorrow is my daughter's birthday and now I can give her a gift. You have no idea what this means to me. Y'all are such a blessing."

As Courtney chose Christmas presents for her other children, she offered a quiet "thank you" at every gift placed in her bag. When she left, Mandy gave hugged her again and wished her a Merry Christmas.

"As I watched her turn to leave, I knew that Christmas for her family this year would be filled with joy because of the giving hearts who so generously donated to this event," she said. "I wish everyone who gave could've met Courtney. To see her gratitude through tear-soaked eyes, feel the thankfulness in her hugs, and know that, not only would she be able to provide a birthday gift for her 4-year-old daughter who would've otherwise had nothing, but also Christmas gifts, overflowed my heart with joy. What a blessing we received in the gift of giving."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer & Editor]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/12-20/brentwood-baptist-ministries-help-with-christmas-toy-store-at-set-free-church-nashville http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/12-20/brentwood-baptist-ministries-help-with-christmas-toy-store-at-set-free-church-nashville Back in October, Community Missions Minister Becky Gross began the detailed process of assessing needs in the community and evaluating our involvement in the Christmas Food Baskets service project. What she discovered was the increase from last year in families praying they'd have food for the holidays.

Last year, Brentwood Baptist members went above and beyond the call to provide 450 baskets for families in Middle Tennessee. This year, they were challenged to provide 600 and, once again, exceeded all expectations.

Starting November 6, members were released to purchase 45-dollar baskets in preparation for a day of packing and distribution on Saturday, December 10. Becky said, "Our members gave more than we even asked. In November, a woman came up to our table in the Atrium and handed me her check to purchase a basket. She said, 'It's important for me to do this because I remember being hungry as a child. I know what that's like.'"

Against the cold bite of winter, more than 500 volunteers braved the 30-degree weather to pack and load in record time. An additional 325 volunteers distributed the baskets to families in Hendersonville, Franklin, Primm Springs, Brentwood, Thompson's Station, Antioch, College Grove, Columbia, Fairview, Hermitage, Madison, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Nolensville, Old Hickory, and Spring Hill.

"There never seems to be a shortage of funds or manpower," Becky said. "I get to have a front row seat to see all this church is capable of. The questions I get asked most is, 'What else can I do? How else can I serve?' We're so blessed with generous givers and amazing volunteers."

This year's baskets, packed with extra items, contained a Brentwood Baptist Christmas CD, an invitation to Brentwood Baptist Christmas Eve services, a hand-made Christmas card made by children in our church, a soup kit from the Children's Ministry, and food items including: mashed potatoes, stuffing, flour, sugar, corn meal, vegetable oil, rice, chicken broth, green beans, corn, fruit cocktail, Jell-O, a large turkey, a carton of milk, a pound of butter, a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, and a bag of apples.

Recipients were determined based on the client lists of Youth Encouragement Services and our Hope for the World Missions Offering ministry partners, including Christian Women's Job Corp, Welcome Home Ministries, Graceworks, Brentwood Baptist Deaf Church, Hope Clinic for Women, Brentwood Baptist Hispanic Ministry, and more.

According to Becky, one volunteer and her children went to deliver a food basket to one woman in need. They prayed with her, wished her a Merry Christmas, and jumped in the car to make their next delivery when they noticed the second recipient had the same address as the first. Wondering if they'd made a mistake, they went back to the first location and inquired.

Becky said, "The recipient said, 'Oh, that's my cousin. I'll go with you and show you where she lives.' As they traveled to the next house, the Brentwood Baptist volunteer discovered this woman was newly widowed. She'd lost her husband just one month before and they were able to minister to her. It was a day for volunteers to bless others and interact with people they might not ordinarily come in contact with."

It's overwhelming to imagine, but each year at this time, Brentwood Baptist members literally help to feed thousands upon thousands of people all across Middle Tennessee. Some minister face-to-face while others share the gospel of good news and Christ's love with people they'll never even meet—all because they're part of this body of believers.

Even now, the gifts keep coming in, and the surplus is being used to provide even more Christmas baskets to people in this area. Just this week, the Missions Ministry sent food and Kroger gift cards to Room in the Inn, Set Free Nashville, Men of Valor, and The Next Door.

Becky said, "Because our members have been so generous and keep giving, we're now calling these ministries and asking how we can give food to the families they work with. The Set Free guys were so excited to get to have a meal and also invite the people in their community to come and eat with them."

"Every year, I see our members get excited about printing out directions to the homes of the recipients. I hear their phone calls made to hundreds of households who'll receive a basket. I see the red noses and ears of the volunteers who've stood out in the cold for three hours loading frozen turkeys, gallons of milk, and eggs into cars. On Saturday, December 10, I woke up and prayed, 'Lord, let this day glorify You. Let this day be all about You.' And it was. I hope and pray that families all across our area are blessed this year. I know I sure was—just by being a part of this."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/12-15/thousands-to-receive-food-for-the-holidays-from-brentwood-baptist http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/12-15/thousands-to-receive-food-for-the-holidays-from-brentwood-baptist Sixth graders are unique. Everyone knows that—especially the Brentwood Baptist and Station Hill Student Ministries. That's why they combine groups to create their very own winter retreat every year.

From December 2-3, 60 sixth grade students and leaders—including high school leaders—went in the opposite direction that the students in grades 7-12 did two weeks before. Just 20 miles south of Brentwood Baptist, they stopped to stay at the scenic, wooded hideaway called Deer Run Retreat in Thompson's Station.

Like the rest of the students, they also participated in their own time of worship, small group Bible study, and recreation. According to Amy-Jo Girardier, this is a "transitional" retreat for them from the Children's Ministry to Student Ministry.

"A developmental shift happens after Christmas for sixth graders. They start taking more responsibility," she said. "They're obviously the youngest group and feel a little intimidated around the older kids at the retreat. So we've created a place for them to feel safe, but still experience what student retreat is and ease into what next year will be like."

This year, before they closed out the weekend, the Student Ministry inaugurated the Dole Survivor Competition that put four teams to task with the potassium-packed fruit we all know and love.

The two girls teams and two boys teams—Comet, Dasher, Prancer, and Blitzen—participated in four rounds: 1) free throws; 2) relay-style olympics; 3) surgery, which required skilled student surgeons, plastic knives, and duck tape; and 4) banana peel, that highlighted the bare feet of some contestants in a contest to unwrap the fruit from its natural casing.

At the end, the team with the most banana cards was to be named the "Dole Survivor Champion." As it happened, there was a four-way tie. And you know what that meant? Everyone left the retreat a winner.]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/12-09/brentwood-and-station-hill-sixth-graders-escape-to-deer-run-retreat http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/12-09/brentwood-and-station-hill-sixth-graders-escape-to-deer-run-retreat Who doesn't love a good, long, relaxing pre-break break before the real break?

The weekend before students took time off for the Thanksgiving holiday, more than 300 Brentwood Baptist and Station Hill seventh through twelfth graders (including leaders) traveled to Jonathan Creek Camp in Hardin, Kentucky—the Land Between the Lakes—for the Student Winter Retreat.

This annual event stands by its namesake. It's a retreat from life for students struggling to stay afloat in the midst of jam-packed semesters, unruly schedules, and overwhelming exams. And this year's theme steered them back toward the basics—"The Message of the Cross"—based on 1 Corinthians 1:18.

According to Linc Taylor, Brentwood Baptist Student Minister, many students who claim to be Christ-followers are still living as though they're condemned, which is why this year's message was crucial to convey.

"I've had countless conversations expressing this," Linc said. "Students feel weighted, bogged down in their forward progress toward embracing life to the fullest. I believe this is one of the reasons they often only celebrate the things they didn't do instead of living in the unimaginable joy that freedom in Christ brings."

Before the retreat, Linc prepped the leaders attending for what was to come, saying, "Many of us know the foundational truths of the gospel, but we may not truly grasp the full measure of an altered nature. When we come to faith in Christ, we have a new identity and literally pass from being spiritually dead to spiritually alive. It's a pretty deep truth for our students—and many of them are more than ready to grasp it."

Surrounding this central theme throughout the weekend, the students participated in activities, games, small group Bible study, and worship. Worship was led by Chris White, former student minister and founder of Mobilizing Students, and Chad Childress, Team Leader for Missionary Mobilization with the North American Missions Board, took the stage as guest speaker.

Chad led the students through principles found in Romans—how to engage sin, respond to grace, and view themselves in light of sin when grace covers it.

He said, "They don't have to be slaves to that any longer. This message is important for students simply because of their stage of life. They have so much potential that's not been called out. Calling them out and raising the standard for them is critical."

Chris White, who's passion is creating authentic worship encounters with God and opportunities for students to take the gospel internationally, led the students in worship all three days—featuring a unique prayer experience on Saturday night.

"My goal was to help students encounter the Lord in a real way—not in a religious way," Chris said. "We've got enough religion in the south. Religion kills. Jesus sets people free. I wanted to take the luster off of what it means to be in the worship moment. It's not about the band. It's not about your favorite song or style. It has everything to do with the presence of God. We have the appearance of an awesome setting, but so many students walk away not having experienced God's presence or power. That only comes when hearts are humbled before Him. I tried to peel all that back and make it as authentic as possible so these students could feel the freedom to let their guards down, be themselves, and really worship."

Small group Bible study broke out all over the camp grounds in scheduled sessions. And leaders didn't just consist of parents and adult volunteers—some former students returned from college to teach and discuss.

Evan Kunz, a freshman at Union University and long-time member of Brentwood Baptist, led a group of seventh graders.

"I came back to lead because I really love what the Brentwood Baptist Student Ministry does every year and I love their passion. I wanted to be able to give back to it, and encourage and uplift students who are here now."

Another former student, David Morris, who's a freshman at Columbia State University, leads a LIFE Group of seventh grade guys during the school year and followed them to camp.

"The LIFE Group has opened my eyes and given me a heart for middle schoolers," he said. "This was a chance for me to experience camp with them—something I always came to as a student."

Clay Huddleston, a freshman at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, graduated in May and didn't get involved in the Student Ministry until the end of his senior year.

"When I finally started going, I realized I'd missed out because it's not every day there's a Student Ministry like this that gears students so much toward worship and God," he said. "I fell in love with the ministry and my friends there. I wanted to come back, not to replay what I'd missed, but to try and help people see what I saw."

Current students like high school senior Derek Cressman came for the community he's developed within the ministry over the last seven years. According to him, God has been teaching him about the importance of biblical community and accountability with his friends at church this year—and camp rounded it out. He said, "You can't live the Christian life by yourself. We're better together."

On Saturday, many of the students formed teams and participated in the traditional boys-versus-boys and girls-versus-girls Brentwood Bowl. The massive event featured junior high and high school teams with names like: Team Lethal, D.O.R.K. (aka Daughters of the Risen King), Sparkly Unicorns, The Flock, and others. In the end, this year's trophies went to The Disciples (the girls) and Team Carol (the guys).

Those who didn't participate in the football mania played sand volleyball and basketball, walked the campgrounds, and huddled inside the Wilderness Cafe for card and board games while enjoying snacks and caffeinated goodness.

The Winter Retreat is like killing two birds with one stone for most students. They get to hang out with their friends and learn about who God is at the same time. For ninth-grader Kirby Bennett, this is her favorite Student Ministry event of the year.

"It's right in the middle of the school year and I can just get away and focus on the important stuff in life," she said. "I can get so caught up in school and friends and stress. This is a weekend for me to bond with my LIFE Group friends and hear from God. This year, He taught me to trust Him with whatever happens. He's Lord of everything in my life anyway, so my future and life is in His hands."

The retreat will remain faithful to do its job for the students year after year—giving them a place to escape, develop new and current friendships, have fun in community, and spend time with God. Linc said, "We take full advantage of this to place the truths of God right in front of their faces—and then challenge them to respond."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/12-02/students-go-north-for-annual-winter-retreat http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/12-02/students-go-north-for-annual-winter-retreat In the fall of 2010, our congregation embarked on a year-long journey through the Bible, using The Daily Walk. As we celebrate that first anniversary, we look ahead to what's in store for 2012 as we begin the journey once again in January.

Lindey Knox, one Brentwood Baptist member who took on the challenge last year, said, "I used to say that I couldn't read the Bible and still believe in God. I really said that. Really. There may be some truth to that—and by "some" I mean a small, small amount. But could I ever really know God if I wasn't in His Word? No. I may have believed in Him, but I wasn't living for Him. I told myself a lie. I tried to justify not reading His Word. I tried to justify my selfishness."

Nearly two years ago, Lindey was saved and started following Christ. Healing in her life began when she started reading the Bible, slowly moving chapter by chapter through the New Testament.

"A friend told me about The Daily Walk at Brentwood Baptist and I committed myself to reading the Bible every day," she said. "For the first time ever, I can say I've read through the entire Bible. I know him because I'm in His Word."

Like Lindey, many Brentwood Baptist members accepted the challenge. At the starting line, readers could take two paths through the 66 books of the Bible: sequentially or chronologically.

This new journey in 2012, the second time around, will be accompanied by a companion book called Read the Bible for Life: Your Guide to Understanding & Living God's Word by Dr. George H. Guthrie.

On his website he says, "One writer has called the Bible America's favorite unopened book. Did you know that 83 percent of Americans say that the Bible is important for their lives. And yet, for those of us in the church, only 16 percent read the Bible every day, another 32 percent read the Bible once a week, and only 37 percent say that Bible reading and study have made a significant difference in the way they live their lives."

The book contains 16 conversations on how to read the Bible, how to understand and approach it, and how to apply it to life. According to him, most of us struggle with reading the Bible and understanding how the different parts fit together to make one big story. His book will teach us how to do that.

Are you ready for a renewed heart and life change? Put your running shoes on and join us as we begin the steady pace through God's Word over the next 365 days.

Get more information online and look for upcoming details on where to begin in God's Word starting in January 2012.

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/11-18/one-year-bible-reading-plan-launches-again-in-january-2012-accompanied-by-new-book http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/11-18/one-year-bible-reading-plan-launches-again-in-january-2012-accompanied-by-new-book

Every summer, a group of Deaf students and their siblings fill the halls of Brentwood Baptist for eight weeks to attend Camp SummerSign. And for several years during the camp, they've participated in an annual film project to impact the community.

"Every year since the camps started with my sister, these kids would write a script for a short film or drama related to drug and alcohol prevention and the Deaf," said Beryl Corey, Director of Special Ministries for the Deaf Church. "They came up stories about the Deaf in a hearing world."

This year's film is called "Alone in a Hearing World" and follows the real-life situations of a young deaf boy growing up with family members who can't communicate, teachers who misunderstand, and friends who influence him toward destruction. Throughout the movie, his curiosity and inability to communicate causes him to experiment with drugs.

Brian Sims, pastor of the Deaf Church, along with Beryl, the students, and other members of the Deaf Church, all played major parts. Mac Mackey, whose mother died tragically in a fire on April 10, played the main character, selected by his peers for the role.

"What a tribute to his mom, who was Deaf, and to his dad, who is Deaf and very involved in our church" Beryl said. "Mac is hearing and phenomenal. His mom would've been on the front row beaming at his performance."

The movie projects have evolved into a major undertaking each summer, along with the kids technological skills. Since 2006, they've followed the leadership and direction of Laura Lekowicz with STARS-Nashville Services for students who are Deaf and hard of hearing.

"Laura has been with our camp and church for many years," Beryl said. "She meets with the youth, who create the context of the movie, casts and films the movie. She does all the filming and editing, and gives us a final production. They choose 8-10 film site locations each summer. She's taken them to prison cells and parks, solicited police officers and teachers, and much more. ... It's a huge undertaking. She's extremely talented and so are the kids."

At the end-of-summer parent program, their film and hard work is debuted. Beryl said, "Laura also took the movie from this year and posted it on YouTube. In less than one week, it had 10,000 hits. It was an overwhelming success and the feedback was tremendous."

The film actually hits home for many families with Deaf children. Beryl said it's what life is really like for some people—highlighting the things they struggle with.

"That's why this is an important intervention and prevention tool," Beryl said. "My hope is that, in families with a Deaf child, parents will say, 'I don't want this to happen to my child.' Language is crucial. Communication is imperative—in both hearing and Deaf families. This allows us to have a tool to reach the Deaf nationwide—and even globally."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer & Editor]]> Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/11-08/camp-summersign-students-film-movie-for-deaf-community-gaining-national-attention http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/11-08/camp-summersign-students-film-movie-for-deaf-community-gaining-national-attention On Saturday, October 29, 75 Kairos volunteers took Halloween festivities to the downtown neighborhood surrounding ministry partner Set Free Church in Nashville, alongside Project 615.

Set Free Church was planted by Brentwood Baptist and the Nashville Baptist Association in one of the roughest neighborhoods in the city.

Bob Carlton, Church Multiplication Minister, said, "They did this to help the community know that Jesus loves them and that there's now a church there that loves them too. Set Free is a real beacon of hope in a very dark place. Because you're a part of our church family, you were a part of making this event happen, so thank you."

Over the course of the day:
• 4 children won bikes in giveaways
• 200+ cross necklaces made for children
• 200+ pumpkins painted
• 200+ cookies decorated and eaten
• 200+ candy bags decorated
• 300+ pretzels from Auntie Annie's passed out
• 350+ barbecue sandwiches eaten
• 640+ slices of pizza devoured
• 750+ cups of lemonade provided
• 1,000 adults and children from inner-city neighborhood were loved
• Countless jumps in the bounce houses

Keely Boggs, Kairos Missions Coordinator, said, "There's a saying on my desk that reads: 'You've never really lived until you've done something for someone who can never repay you…' [Volunteers] gave their time, resources, and their love to a neighborhood and community that will never be able to repay them for their generosity and kindness."

Children roamed from trunk to trunk, trick-or-treating. They also painted pumpkins, ate pizza, danced with the adults, participated in other activities, and, most importantly, heard the gospel of who Jesus is, how much He loves them, and what He did for them.

"[The volunteers'] kindness, smiles, and laughter not only helped create fun memories for children and families who don't have much to smile about, but also made them feel special and loved…" Keely said. "They may never fully know the impact they had on Saturday…"

Photos by Johnnie Winters
Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/11-02/hallowed-be-his-name-festival-draws-1000-inner-city-adults-and-children http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/11-02/hallowed-be-his-name-festival-draws-1000-inner-city-adults-and-children A mission journey can change your life in more ways than one.

Ask Amy Pennington. She’s in the final preparations for her December wedding, but never thought God’s calling on her life to go to Haiti would've led her down the aisle to the altar.

Amy has always felt called to do medical missions as a pharmacist. She said, “I'd always thought [a mission journey] would be an amazing place to meet my future husband, but it never happened.”

The journey started when Amy attended Kairos one night, then later received an e-mail about a medical mission trip to Haiti with Brentwood Baptist. She decided to go, but realized two days before leaving that her passport had expired.

She soon learned that she must appear in person at her local passport office in New Orleans to get it renewed. Oddly enough, the guy she was dating at the time encouraged her to take a drastic step, buy a plane ticket the next morning, and fly to New Orleans for the day to renew it.

At the same time, Eric Myers was also on his own unique journey.

His residency director knew he was interested in medical missions and asked him to join her church, St. Stephens in Old Hickory, Tennessee, on a trip during January of 2010. However, a tragic earthquake devastated Haiti and all airports were closed. The mission trip was rescheduled for June 26, 2010.

Neither of them was supposed to be there, but God had other plans.

With no previous connections in Nashville, Amy introduced herself to some of Eric's group in the Nashville airport, but didn't meet him until they were standing in the customs line at the airport in Haiti. Oddly enough, they discovered both groups were traveling three hours inland and staying at Hotel Royale, which Amy said was “in no way royal."

They both were checking e-mail one night on the same hotel porch where their groups gathered and started casually talking. It quickly developed into a soul-baring conversation, bringing about a unique closeness.

It isn't surprising. This kind of thing tends to happen in third world countries, causing one to form a common bond with people who are total strangers—all because they both come from the same homeland and background.

But, one of the first things that impressed Amy about Eric was his boldness. She said, “I really enjoyed talking to him.” In that conversation, Amy mentioned that she was "sort of dating someone." Unbeknownst to her, it became the goal of Eric's team to create opportunities for them to talk while they were there.

Both acknowledge that God had been preparing them for that exact moment. They’d both endured tough situations that made them wonder if God had a hand in what was happening.

Amy said, “So many times I questioned God’s timing. I learned I shouldn’t force relationships and always be looking for ‘it’ to happen. Instead, I focused my time and energy being about God’s business.”

Eric echoed Amy’s thoughts: “A lot of things that have happened in my life brought me here. [God] puts you in certain situations in order to make you better in the long run. Meeting Amy unexpectedly and going on the trip that was rescheduled—God’s plan and His timing are perfect.”

Both Amy and Eric felt the mission journey held tremendous significance for both of them—even outside their relationship. Eric’s group saw about 1,000 people a day.

“Our groups were affiliated with two local churches: Baptist and Catholic,” he said. “I grew up in the Baptist Church, but went on the trip with a Catholic [Church]—[and I was] the only Baptist amongst Catholics. It was amazing to see the camaraderie… One morning, we were doing our devotional and a guy brought over the Scripture they were studying. There could have been an element of competition, but instead it was the body of Christ working together. God just wants us to…spread the gospel. I’m very fortunate to have had that experience. The Haiti trip exemplifies a family united by God.”

Amy said, “So much of that trip turned me to God. That week was so good to love on people and talk about my relationship with Christ. There was a girl, Jenny, that became a Christian during one of those talks.”

Before the end of the trip, Eric had asked if he could call Amy when they got back to Nashville. She said, “Yes.” When they returned, she asked the guy she was dating if Eric could call. He was OK with it, which was her sign that she and Eric would move forward.

“We couldn’t coordinate our schedules, so we spent hours on the phone talking for several weeks,” Amy said. “I’m so thankful for that time that we had because it allowed us to grow closer in a quick time.”

Amy was impressed with Eric’s commitment to God and missions. He took one of his two weeks of vacation—at the end of a very stressful residency training—to serve other people. And Eric was equally impressed with Amy’s heart for missions and her friendly, caring personality.

Within the month, they were dating exclusively.

Today, weeks away from being married, Amy feels like God has given them even more of a responsibility toward their future together because of the unique way God brought them together. Eric agrees that theirs is a story of things happening the right way, God's way, even though they couldn't always see it.

“I just don’t question as many things that I don’t understand anymore,” he said. “I know there has to be a plan or purpose for the things that happen.”

What’s next for Amy and Eric? Eric has now started his career as a doctor at Nashville Medical Group, and Amy is continuing hers as a pharmacist at Vanderbilt Medical Center. After their December wedding, perhaps another mission trip? Yes. Amy and Eric share the God-given desire to go on medical missions and are already planning one after the ceremony.

The father-in-law of Amy’s boss, Dr. Dewey Dunn, who’s 85 years old, stills go on medical mission trips and has been an inspiration to Amy and Eric. He says, “Matrimony and missions go hand in hand.” For Amy and Eric, that couldn’t be more true.

Story written by Susan Easterday]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/10-28/matrimony--missions-one-couple-meets-on-mission-journey-to-haiti http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/10-28/matrimony--missions-one-couple-meets-on-mission-journey-to-haiti In recent months, we've welcomed several newcomers to our church staff. Added to that particular group are David and Laura Moench, joining us as missionaries-in-residence. But they aren't really newcomers as this isn't their first go-round on our staff.

Nashville-born David and Texas-born-and-bred Laura both attended Baylor where they first met. After college, and just before David's last semester at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, they married. For years, they worked with Youth Centrifuge Camp and felt God's call to go into full-time youth ministry. That's when they met members of Brentwood Baptist in 1983 at a camp in Glorieta, New Mexico.

"During that time, they were without a youth minister and asked us to consider," David said. "There were only five ministers on staff, including Pastor Bill Wilson. So we got to do youth, recreation, and college ministry, and if this tells you anything, Aaron Bryant was just a kid who went to church here."

For six years, the Moenches ministered to 100-200 students who attended the still young-yet-growing church. They even witnessed the entire junior high and high school career of some students because of their tenure.

"There was still a small-town feel in Brentwood," David said. "Franklin has a much longer history and more stability, but Cool Springs wasn't even there. We lived out on Wilson Pike and some of the parents wouldn't let their kids drive out to see us because of the country roads."

The couple were the first to take Brentwood Baptist students on mission trips, first to Chicago then later to New Orleans and the Appalachians. David said, "It was the pattern to go on a youth choir trip, so we really felt strongly that they needed to be exposed to missions."

David didn't have a background in missions, but it was engrained in Laura's DNA. She said, "My dad was a doctor and would go on month-long medical missions before anyone even did that. I'd always seen that pattern growing up, and we had missionaries in our home. There are six kids in my family and three of us have gone out with the International Mission Board (IMB)."

In January 1986, David and Laura went on their own personal mission journey to visit Laura's sister and brother-in-law, who lived in Botswana at the time. They stayed for three weeks, doing university student ministry. That was the catalyst that spurred a response to one daunting question: "Does God want us to go and serve overseas?"

They prayed and journaled, but God said, "No." The context was wrong, but not the calling. New conversations about God's call for their family stirred when they attended a Lifeway-sponsored national Youth Ministers' Conference that featured a strong missions emphasis in the spring of 1988.

"We knew if we left Brentwood Baptist, they'd have no problem finding someone to replace us," David said. "God started saying to us, 'You've taken kids on mission trips, but is that all you're going to do? Or are you willing to plant your lives where there are no youth ministers and work with youth?'"

After a solid year of seeking God's direction, the IMB presented them with three positions: two in Africa and one in Scotland. They saw a perfect fit for their family in Scotland. After rustling through red tape, dodging a few roadblocks, and jumping through hoops, the process finally took off in a full-fledged sprint in August 1989.

"By the second week of September, we were in Richmond for screening" Laura said. "A few days after Christmas in 1989, everything was gone—our cars, house, everything. Even our house selling was an amazing story in the process. We packed up our children, headed to Richmond for six weeks of missionary orientation training, and were on the field by March."

Stationed in Dundee, Scotland, they worked with local "youth," which was considered to be between ages 12 and 30—including a well-known gang called the "Hilltown Huns"—and alongside five Baptist churches in a city of 160,000 people. They developed joint ministries for the city, including one called "Five Alive," which featured retreats, drama, outreach, mission trips, and camps.

They didn't cut all ties with Brentwood Baptist when they left. Although Bill Wilson resigned as pastor shortly after they left, they later met the new pastor who took his place, Mike Glenn, in the fall of 1992, when he went on a Brentwood Baptist mission journey to Scotland to work with youth sports camps and children's clubs. That was one of many mission journeys in a five-year partnership between the Moenches and Brentwood Baptist.

The Moenches said the "homogeneous" Scots were warm and friendly once they built relationships, but the majority of the population was heavily influenced by the national Church of Scotland (similar to Catholicism). A small evangelical wing, known for being grounded in the Protestant Reformation and practicing expository preaching, had a small impact as well.

"The national church peaked in the 1920s. Church attendance began to decline and fall off in the 70s. It stopped being a moral and social influence in the culture. People who said they were a member of the Church of Scotland 20 years ago wouldn't even bother to say that today. Now, there are multi-generations of youth not attending. Yet it's not uncommon for non-believers to teach Christianity in schools and speak openly about what they believe," Laura said.

After five years there, their career started to change. They were called to supply strategic leadership for the United Kingdom and Scandinavian countries and moved to Glasgow for the next five years of their ministry.

As their careers continued to develop, they finally settled in Kandern, Germany. For the last 10 years, they've been training and orienting newly arriving cross-cultural workers as well as continuing their personal ministry to local Germans.

There, Christianity is a cultural decision. One might have a Catholic or Protestant background, but it aligns with a state church, one you pay taxes to so the minister can receive recompense and the body can still do some social good for the people.

"If people in Germany opt out of paying church taxes, they may not receive the same privileges as someone who does—like marriage and burial in the church. The state can tax them and then have a say in what the church does," David said. "Our forefathers didn't believe in that. They believed in the separation of church and state."

Less than two percent of the German population are born-again believers in Jesus Christ. Laura said, "In Germany and western Europe, there's an attitude of apathy toward religion and God. It's an attitude of: 'That's fine if it's OK with you, but it's not OK for me' or 'That's truth for you, but it doesn't impact me.' There's not a verbal agreement on what's truth and what's not."

For now, these U.S.-U.K.-dual-citizens are back in the States, splitting their time between Richmond, Virginia and Brentwood, Tennessee. Now that they've completed their time in Richmond, they'll spend the remainder of their time serving on our staff and living in the Brentwood Baptist Missions Ministry condo until June 2012.

"Our main emphasis is to counsel and mentor members who are interested in full-time missions," David said. "We've already met with five couples to help them figure out what God's telling them and what those next steps look like. We'll also be in contact with the missionaries sent out through Brentwood Baptist and how we can best serve them."

Their family is spread out all over the world. The Moenches have four daughters: Molly, 25, who lives in France with her husband; Mandy, 24, who lives in Texas with her husband; Meredith, 21, who attends Wheaton College in Chicago, Illinois; and Mallory, 19, who attends Gordon College, just north of Boston, Massachusetts.

"If you would've told us 21 years ago that we'd have a daughter married to a Frenchman and living in France, that might have paralyzed us," Laura said. "But, in fact, that's exactly where we need to be. God's changed us along the way. He's changed our perspective and worldview, which includes just about everything."

David said, "Home isn't bricks and mortar. That's not everyone's life. If that were the case, no one would take the gospel anywhere. There are times when we ask: What if we'd stayed? What would our priorities look like? Where would our daughters be? Who would we be as people? Because we were obedient to Him, God transformed us."

How you can pray for David and Laura Moench:
Pray that God would work out the plans for the next leg of their missionary journey. Ask God to give them a sense of His direction, where they need to land, and what type of ministry He wants them to be a part of.

E-mail David and Laura if you're interested in learning more about full-time missions or any of our mission journeys.

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer & Editor]]> Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/10-12/david-and-laura-moench-join-staff-as-missionaries-in-residence http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/10-12/david-and-laura-moench-join-staff-as-missionaries-in-residence This past spring, Brentwood Baptist was still $12 million in debt on the cost of our buildings with plans to see the balance paid off by 2015. So imagine the surprise of the congregation this past Sunday, October 9 when our Pastor announced on his first week back from a 6-week sabbatical that recent gifts, totaling more than $10 million, had come in during his absence. The generosity of members put this church on track to be debt free by December 31 of this year.

From the pulpit last Sunday, during all worship services, Pastor Mike Glenn explained the story behind the recent development, beginning with the time the Trustees approached him last spring to write down his vision for the church over the next five years.

"I made a presentation. I talked about getting out of debt as fast as we can and starting 20 churches in the next 10 years…" he said. "All of us understand and know the details of the situation now with the economy and what that means and how that needs to change. It's just not the time for big, audacious plans like that. So we always try to keep my enthusiasm and dreams tempered with a good healthy dose of reality."

Instead, the Trustees, Mike, and other leadership sat down and developed five church objectives (the first of which was presented this past Sunday during the message: "engage a diversity of people with the gospel").

Steve Smith, Communications Minister, said, "That process was done without the realization that these gifts were going to be such a game-changer for us. This new prospect of being debt-free puts us in a position of tremendous opportunity to begin moving forward on those objectives."

Later in the summer, Brentwood Baptist received a gift of $1 million from a member who passed away and remembered the church in his will. Mike said, "That knocked our total indebtedness for this property down to about $11 million, which is…incredible. To be in this kind of property—60 acres in the middle of Brentwood—and only owe $11 million, knowing that we moved [here] in June 2002, was significant."

During his sabbatical, Mike received word that additional gifts in excess of $10 million were given. Now, with such minimal debt on the books, he's seeing his dreams become reality and encouraging members to do their part and remain faithful to giving in order to reach the end goal.

"If you've made a commitment to the building fund and capital campaign, finish it. We're counting on it…" he said. "If you haven't made a commitment to the building fund, jump on in here now and you can tell everyone you pushed us over the edge. We are within sight of being totally debt free by the end of this year."

Church planting and multiplication is top priority and next on the list for this congregation, which has always been woven through the fabric of this church since Bill Wilson was pastor. The goal is to move forward, matching the effort and vision enacted through our regional campus to the south, The Church At Station Hill.

"If [this isn't] a 'Go' sign from God, I don't know what is…" he said. "I think God is serious about us…doing the things we talked about in the spring. So now you know why this moment is so important. Your giving makes a difference. It opens up opportunities for us. Because we've been faithful, God has been faithful and generous to us. And He's eager for us to be about His kingdom business."

Click here to give to the building fund and help us reach our goal by December 31.

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/10-11/church-receives-in-excess-of-10-million-toward-debt-retirement http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/10-11/church-receives-in-excess-of-10-million-toward-debt-retirement Brentwood Baptist Chinese Congregation has welcomed a new pastor, Dr. Yunhan Gwo. The growing ministry, now considered a smaller church within our own walls, will also host their first regular worship service this Sunday, October 9 at 11:00 a.m. in Baskin Chapel.

These new changes come with the arrival of Dr. Gwo, who came from humble beginnings on a pineapple farm in Taiwan despite his impeccable English and impressive educational record.

"I was born in a rural area of Taiwan to a poor farmer," Dr. Gwo said. "My father had only three years of Japanese elementary education when Taiwan was occupied. My mother only spoke Taiwanese and no other languages. I had seven siblings—three girls and four boys. I was number six among them."

Dr. Gwo reminisces about a happy childhood, running free through the open fields and mountains of his homeland with no restraints. Oftentimes, he would even go with his father to help on his pineapple farm.

At that time, evangelical Christian churches were limited in Taiwan. Only one Presbyterian church existed in his hometown. Besides, the majority of the population, including Dr. Gwo's family, shied away from outside religion, sticking close to the traditional folk religions of that region.

"When I was five years old, there was a Christmas celebration in our village. I was invited into the church to listen to the story," Dr. Gwo said. "Each child was given a beautiful Christmas card. I was happy to listen to the Christmas story, but my mother saw me come home with the card and immediately scolded me that I shouldn't go there again."

That was his first and only experience with Jesus and the church until he was a teenager.

"I never did step inside the church building again, except to play table tennis with friends," he said. "But, my situation started to change because I saw a lot of social injustice—corruption of the political and judicial systems. I saw persecution."

His father was a direct victim of that corruption and persecution—even though it wasn't related to the Christian faith. His father's very rich and powerful friend, who was a local mayor, accused his father of theft, a crime he didn't commit.

"He took my father to court where he was convicted," Dr. Gwo said. "He was imprisoned for three months and had to pay back money he never took. He had to sell his farm, which was our livelihood. That really hit me. I was very innocent. My school taught Confucius' teachings and that the orders should be harmonious, but that experience implanted a seed of hatred in my heart for injustice and inequality."

Yunhan began searching for answers—answers he couldn't seem to find wherever he went. He'd already decided to seek revenge for the persecution of his father. He enrolled in college, taking an English major, to elevate himself so he could seek out the man who'd ruined his father's life and do something about it.

In college, he became a student leader, participating in extracurricular activities to make new friends. Internationally, peace was absent. The Vietnam War was in full effect, creating tension between Taiwan and China. The government warned citizens to ready themselves for China's invasion. As a result, each male was required to enter military service.

"I started asking, 'Can there be peace in the world?'" he said. "I had some professors who were Christians—some were Chinese and one was a Catholic nun who came to teach us English. Another was a missionary from the Church of England. The first thing he said to our class was, 'I believe it's God's will to come here and teach you.'"

That jolted his senses, causing him to wonder: Who is God? How can He tell someone to go and teach?

"That professor was also the dean of a church-run hostel for students at the university," he said. "During my last winter vacation, I asked if he could spare a room for me. I wanted to clarify in my mind what I was going to do after graduation, my future. Campus was a pure and innocent place, but society was regarded like a dark fish tank."

As Christmas approached that year in 1971, he heard some of the students singing Christmas carols. The sounds entranced him, attracting him to melodies such as "We Shall Overcome" and "Go Tell It on the Mountain." His piqued interest moved him to accept their invitation to study the Bible together.

"I said, 'I'm not going to believe. I'm just coming to debate with you,'" Dr. Gwo said. "But the answer I found at the Bible study became relevant to me. I was already puzzled by the chaos in the world. But the Bible said it was in human beings' nature to be sinful and selfish. I immediately agreed with that. I knew I had that nature too because I hated the man who'd betrayed my father, and I hated society and injustice."

In March 1972, an evangelist named Roy Taylor invited Yunhan to a four-night rally. The first night, he went and heard about God the Creator, who'd made all mankind in His image, and Jesus' sermon on the mount, where He implored His followers to store their treasures in heaven.

Two days later, God made that sermon's message come to reality. Yunhan rode his bicycle to play in a basketball game with friends, storing his clothes in the attached basket. After the game, he returned to an empty basket, evidence that someone had stolen his earthly belongings.

"I realized at that moment that Jesus was right, " he said. "He taught me not to put up treasures on this earth."

He went back to the rally the third night to hear the story of when Jesus forgave His enemies on the cross. Yunhan said, "I'd found the answer. The only solution to all my problems was forgiveness from God."

That radical decision to follow Jesus, and transformation of his life thereafter, ripped the relationship with his parents to shreds. He wasn't just the only Christian in his family; he was the only Christian in his village, in his whole town. And it stirred up trouble back home.

"After I graduated from college, I had to go into military service," he said. "It was compulsory. According to custom, each young man had to go to the Buddha temple to burn incense and seek protection. My father wanted me to do that, but I said no. He said, 'If you don't want to go the temple, then worship the deities and shrine to our ancestors in our home.' I said, 'No, I don't worship idols. I respect my ancestors because I'm a part of them, but I don't worship them either. I worship the living God.'"

For that, he was beaten by his father and disowned from the family. He packed his simple belongings and left the next day. As the distance between him and his home began to grow, his father shouted, "You're no longer my son. Don't come back!"

"Being a Christian in the military means no fellowship because it's not allowed," he said. "I had to walk by myself with God for 20 months. But I was a soldier for Christ there. I was given a King James Version pocket Bible from an American widow. I put the Bible in the left pocket of my shirt to symbolize my love for God's Word. I read it every day. I learned to develop personal devotion and got to go to church when I had vacation."

Before he even became a Christian, someone gave him a prayer written by Francis of Assisi, a 13th-century saint:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

During his military career, he made that his prayer. He said, "Every day, we were prepared to kill someone else during the war. Literally to kill them. God called me to spread His message of peace, the message of Jesus. I said, 'Here I am, God. Use me for whatever You want me to do.'"

After his military career was complete, he taught English at the college level for one year, serving as assistant chaplain while there, before he enrolled in Taiwan Baptist Theological Seminary. There, he studied for three years, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree.

His graduation then launched him into full-time ministry, where he served as the associate pastor at Grace Baptist Church. He took a break to enter Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky and gain his doctorate before returning to that particular church.

In 1992, he took the role as chairman of the Taiwan Baptist Convention. He said, "I got this vision from God to lead this convention into world missions. I made an effort to become a missionary—not only to Chinese but to all races."

That's when he migrated to the United States and made his home here. After a one-year guest professorship in world missions at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, teaching cross-cultural preaching, he accepted a pastorate in Alabama at a Chinese Christian church. He served there for seven years before moving on to another Chinese congregation in Indiana for the next eight years.

Through various connections, Dr. Gwo was recommended to Brentwood Baptist to take the role of pastor to the 100-member "Chinese Congregation."

"Coming here was the perfect match for me," he said. "Throughout my ministry in Taiwan and America, I found that Chinese Christians enjoy being together, but seldom do they reach out to other races and people groups. That's because most Chinese Christians are new converts and first-generation Christians. They need time to solidify their conversion and faith before they venture out. But, when I got to know this church's vision and missions, it lined up with what should be."

As Dr. Gwo eases his way into a new era, joining hands with Brentwood Baptist, he looks forward to adding to the Chinese Congregation, helping them go spiritually deeper, and encouraging them to reach out to the Chinese population and beyond in Middle Tennessee.

Along with his wife, Rebecca, Dr. Gwo says they have been welcomed unanimously. "Our first priority is to reach out to the Chinese people in our community and then help our congregation reach out to their neighbors. I'm very grateful to be here and witness one miracle after another."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Fri, 07 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/10-07/chinese-congregation-welcomes-dr-yunhan-gwo-as-new-pastor http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/10-07/chinese-congregation-welcomes-dr-yunhan-gwo-as-new-pastor Mike Glenn can't think on the last 20 years at Brentwood Baptist without remembering those who influenced him from the beginning and shaped him along the way.

Raised in a "hard-shell Southern Baptist Church" in Alabama, his mom and dad taught him everything he knows, laying a foundation for loving God's Word, confidently voicing his thoughts and opinions, and always doing what he knows is right.

"To tell you the truth, I believe Mike knew the day he was born and could think on his own that he was going to be a preacher one day," said John Glenn, Mike's dad.

Mike's dad wasn't the only one who thought that. Sunday school teachers along the way—including Ray Duke, Lou White, and Linda Pendergrass—saw something in him and honed in on those gifts to develop him as a spiritual leader.

Growing up, and even more so today, Mike's two greatest mentors and heroes are his mom and dad. At an early age, he was an integral part of his family's small TV repair business, including how to manage cash flow, deal with customers, and complete the day-to-day tasks. He was the pick-up and delivery guy, the repair man, the customer service guru.

After graduating from Samford University with a degree in speech and drama, he enrolled at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he later received a Master of Divinity degree and Doctorate of Ministry degree.

"Bill Leonard, my Church History professor, was the first person to bless my weirdness," Mike said. "When I went to seminary, I'd never been around that many Christians in my life. They had a culture I didn't know anything about. I was just bopping from class to class, fighting with professors and challenging the norm."

Southern's professors would gather in the break room at the beginning of each semester to discuss "who's got Glenn." At the time, he didn't believe any of them liked him. But, in fact, his unique approach to finding the why behind the why intrigued them, keeping others in their classes alert and thinking beyond the text. They all hoped he'd show up when their classes started.

After seminary, Mike pastored his first church in South Carolina. That's when he ran into a "brilliant Texan named Hardy Clemmons," pastor at First Baptist Church in Greenville and certified in pastoral care and counseling.

"He could lure you in and break you off at the knees," Mike said. "I took him out to lunch one time and said, 'Hardy, there aren't many people that intrigue me. I don't even know what I'm asking.' He said, 'You're asking for a mentor. Yeah, I'll do it.'"

Hardy took the reins from the Southern professors who had guided Mike along the pastoral path. Somebody coached them. In turn, they coached Mike. And, since he discovered this pattern in ministry, Mike's been coaching others.

When Mike came to Brentwood Baptist in 1991, he'd already established a relationship with preceding pastor Bill Wilson through his son, Bill Jr. During seminary, they carpooled from Louisville through Nashville to Birmingham and back up, stopping for lunch and dinner with Bill and Creely and Mike's parents.

"It's strange to think I was within a couple of blocks of where I'd spend most of my life," Mike said. "Who would've thought this kid eating spaghetti at Bill's table would follow in his footsteps and be pastor of this church?"

According to Mike, aside from his own dad, Bill was the most important, influential man in his life when it came to understanding ministry and what it takes to be a pastor. "He was my friend, mentor, and counselor. I still miss him every day. A lot of times, things will happen here and I'll want to call Bill and tell him about it."

It's not often you hear of a former pastor/current pastor relationship like this one. Even after Bill retired from the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Mike brought him back on staff at Brentwood Baptist as Missions Minister because he knew the church well and the people trusted him.

"Bill called me and said, 'How are you and I going to work together?' I told him, 'Bill, you always say this is about the kingdom. We need to model that better than anyone else.' When we told the church, they stood up and applauded. We never even voted. They trusted him that much."

Mike grabbed hold of the vision and plan God had already put into motion through Bill. Out of that decision, he developed two new biblical heroes: Shiphrah and Puah, Hebrew midwives during the Old Testament Exodus.

"They created an environment for the dream to be born. And they wouldn't let a pagan king define the future of God's people," Mike said. "I had to ask, 'What would happen if I came to the church as a "midwife?" The church is already pregnant with visions and dreams. How can I create an environment where we can give birth to those dreams and not let anybody outside define who we're supposed to be?'"

For 20 years as Senior Pastor, he's readily taken on that role, watching the birth and growth of ministries and people along the way.

"We've got some heavy artillery here—people with incredible gifts," he said. "Name anything you want to do and there's somebody here that's in the top 5-10 percent in the nation already doing it. Our people are talented across the board. If you sit down with them and share an idea, they'll jump all over it—and they'll do it extraordinarily better than I could've ever thought about doing it."

Along the way, there are stories that stand out to Mike—stories of God's providential hand working in and through the members of this church. It's people like Betty Steersman, who started interpreting when we had no deaf in the congregation. She discovered there were 60,000 deaf and hearing impaired people in Middle Tennessee and God broke her heart.

"She got hold of that burden and the burden got hold of her, and she wouldn't let us go on without it," Mike said. "Before long, she had eight people on the front row she was signing to. She said, 'We need a pastor for the deaf and and I'll tell you who it is.' It was the persistent widow story, so we finally went through with it."

When Brian Sims arrived, the deaf started pouring in. That moved to the construction of a state-of-the-art Inman Deaf Chapel. Mike said, "We're the authorities on what a deaf church looks like now. Go figure."

Another milestone came in the form of a regional campus to the south officially dubbed "The Church At Station Hill." What started as a one-on-one conversation with Jay and Tanya Strother has today turned into a full-fledged, thriving congregation in the Spring Hill and Thompson's Station area.

"I met with Jay and said, 'I want you to tear up your resume because your future is here with us. You have the gifts and what we're looking for. Let us train you, teach you, and prepare you.' We started putting him in places where I could mentor him. And now, they're running more than 300 each Sunday. They're already out of space."

Periods of transition and construction also bring about a bit of sentimentalism for Mike. The move from Franklin Road to Concord Road in 2002, and the construction of the Connection Center in 2009 were some of the biggest landmarks in Brentwood Baptist's history.

"I got to actually put the cross on our steeple. It's 6 feet wide and 9 feet high. I was up high, in a bucket attached to a crane. I was holding on to everything I had, but it was a significant moment for me. Two thousand years ago, Jesus carried a cross, and then I got to carry a cross and display it on this church. It wasn't anything the same, but there was that connection for just that moment. You realize when you're up there that people are going to see this for miles. It will be the first reminder to some that God's still here."

Mike still maintains that those members who've been around the longest are the most risky, but also have great faith in what's to come. He said, "We were one of the first churches in the nation to build a gym first. In the 70s, there wasn't anything out here—no YMCA, subdivisions, nothing for the kids to do. All the experts said you can't do that and make it work, and Joe Brantley told them to go fly a kite."

According to Mike, he'd reached his limit after 14 years of ministry. He was overworked and "within a heartbeat of becoming a first-rate Baptist CEO." Something had to change.

"Leon Drennan walked into my office and I said, 'I'm an entrepreneur, but, eventually, I'm going to kill this church as fast as I grew it.' He said, 'Yeah, you will.' I know I'm at A and I can see Z, but I can't see M, S, or W. I needed people to come alongside me and give us some structure."

That's when Jim Baker came on board as Executive Pastor, taking away all of Mike's meetings and leaving him time to peach, teach, and pray. The staff and leaders of the church took ownership of their spiritual gifts, giving the church body a solid skeleton, organs, and skin.

"That freed me up. My schedule was no longer packed with meetings. The deacons saw me in the elevator at Vanderbilt, backed me up against a wall, and said, 'Let's get something straight. If we're here, you're not. If you're here, we're not. So what's it going to be?' I said, 'I'm not even here, guys. You didn't even see me.' These people take care of our congregation and let me do what God has gifted me to do."

In the midst of this transition, Mike claims Kairos saved his life. A "bunch of kids" showed up on his doorstep, asking him to teach the Bible and tell them what it means. At first, he used the "I don't have time" excuse. But then he sat and listened to their stories.

"It wasn't creative. They just wanted to hear the truth. Nobody has ever talked to these guys and girls about what it looks like to be a husband or wife, how to deal with past issues. I could do that."

Along the way, with his wife Jeannie by his side, Mike has been mentored by seminary professors, other pastors, church members, and ministry friends. Because of that, he also gives back to young leaders, raising them up just like so many did for him.

"I'd like for us to do more Station Hills all over Middle Tennessee. I'm really concerned about the future of local church leadership. If we can set up a process where we're training five or so a year, that would be where I'd want to spend my time."

Most churches see success as the number of people who come in. And while Brentwood Baptist has certainly skyrocketed to more than 8,000 members since Mike first came on board, he wants to be known as "the church that celebrates the number who are sent off into ministry."

That's why he is where he is today. He's let people do what God has gifted them to do and He's taken hold of what God has wired him to do—no more or less. He's championed talented people in this church to find their place, serve, and do it well for the kingdom.

"I've told this church, 'If you want to do this, you can.' I've released people to follow through with their dreams. God gave that to them, not me. They have gifts that I don't. I get a lot of credit for the things they do. But we're not celebrating 20 years of me. We're celebrating 20 years of God's faithfulness and our obedience to what He's called us to do. This really is the coolest church around."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Thu, 29 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/09-29/pastor-mike-glenn-remembers-past-20-years-looks-forward-to-whats-ahead http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/09-29/pastor-mike-glenn-remembers-past-20-years-looks-forward-to-whats-ahead On Saturday, October 1, from 8:30 a.m. to noon in Hudson Hall, the first-ever JourneyOn@Home Summit will debut a new church-wide initiative targeting families.

Linc Taylor, Student Minister who's helping to facilitate this new initiative, said, "This is simply about championing the home. We realize that family dynamics among our congregation are wide and broad—the make-up of it, ages, stages of life. We want to rally around families and teach them core biblical principles that will give them foundation and intentionality in how they relate to each other."

When we say "families," we don't just mean young parents and school-age children. The discipleship team at Brentwood Baptist wants to inject this message into all families.

"We want to equip families to live with intentionality so they can find their own identity and understand healthy relationships. How can we encourage others in our families and affirm their worth?" Linc said.

So what exactly is JourneyOn@Home? It's a part of the still-fresh and new JourneyOn Discipleship program, meant to leave a Christ-like imprint on people's hearts, lives, and homes. It's not a Monday night Bible study. It's not a program. It's about the day-to-day life—living life as you go with intent.

Some parents may be saying:
"I don't know how to lead in my home."
"It's awkward when I lead."
"You don't understand my family."
"This is for other families, not mine—the families who have it all together."
"If I actually try to lead, it may reveal that I don't have it together spiritually."
"I don't see the importance of this. Let the church do the spiritual training."

According to Linc, what the Discipleship Team wants people to know is that this initiative is for all families—healthy, broken, unsure, or grounded.

"We don't want a cookie-cutter approach to home ministry here. Our goal is to develop a framework in which there are five principles in which we can rally around. We want families to begin to view these concepts, or biblical principles, as paths they can walk down together," Linc said.

The five principles include:
1. Make memories to build strong relationships.
2. Create conversations that lead to commitment.
3. Instill truth to build a firm foundation.
4. Affirm the value of each person to confirm worth.
5. Bless family at key moments to encourage godliness.

These five concepts are going to be woven through the fabric of worship, discipleship, and service in our church.

Linc said, "No family is perfect. We all have things we deal with and struggle through. But we want every family to be Christ-centered. A lot of families don't know how to get to that point or know what that looks like. Wherever you are is a good place to start—however good or messy it is."

Click here to find out more details about the JourneyOn@Home Summit, including information on the break-out session taking place, a detailed schedule, and registration.

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/09-21/journeyonhome-summit-debuts-on-october-1 http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/09-21/journeyonhome-summit-debuts-on-october-1 Long gone are the days of Wednesday Night Fellowship Suppers at most Southern Baptist churches across the nation, but not at Brentwood Baptist. In fact, the ministry and service of providing a quality meal has grown exponentially within the walls of this church.

In 1988, Brent Holladay joined the staff as the part-time Food Services Director—planning menus, cooking each week, and serving a host of members.

Lisa Francisco, Business Manager, said, "Brent had a kitchen that wasn't any bigger than a small office. At the old location, we only did Wednesday Night Dinners. But, at this location, the number of events that use food is much larger—from trustee dinners to senior adult dinners."

Just last month in August, after 23 years of faithful service, Brent retired from his position, passing the baton on to someone new.

"He was involved in helping us plan out our cafe a few years ago—helping us envision what it would look like and the equipment we'd need," Lisa said. "We're grateful to Brent because he got us ready for the next steps."

Years ago, while Brent was saving the day at the Bill Wilson dedication, feeding 500 people with no electricity, Suzanne Loving was finishing up her degrees in communications and mortuary science at Old Dominion University in Virginia with no idea she'd be filling his shoes one day.

Originally from Portsmouth, Virginia, Suzanne grew up working in a funeral home, her family's business of 47 years. But she didn't feel like that was God's plan for her life.

During the summers, her family temporarily let her leave her post at the funeral home to work Lifeway's Fuge Camp in the summer. During one M-Fuge in Philadelphia, working as the video producer, her life was changed.

"We worked with boys who had special needs. I got to see ministry and service together," she said, "And I knew God was calling me away from my home in Virginia to go and do some other kind of service. I didn't know what it was though."

As an only child and heir to the family business, she made a deal with her family: she'd go through training to take over the family business before she made any decisions to move on.

"Because of that, I'm now a licensed funeral director in the state of Virginia. But I learned customer service through that whole experience and how to deal with people," she said.

On a return road trip from Oklahoma, Suzanne and another friend decided to stop off in Nashville to visit a fellow Fuger. In a matter of hours, with a little coaxing from her friends, Suzanne decided to make Nashville her new home, locating an apartment and signing her name on the dotted line.

Two weeks later, she drove 14 hours from her home to a city she barely knew, without a job or any idea what God wanted her to do.

"I got a part-time job at Williams Sonoma," she said. "I thought I might get a discount. And I thought it would be fun to play with the kitchen gadgets and maybe learn something in the process."

She was educated faster than she expected when asked to roast a turkey during a cooktop demo.

"I didn't know what I was doing or how to cook," she said. "My mom wasn't a good cook growing up, but she made a mean Hamburger Helper. And every once in a while I'd bake with my grandma. I had to Google 'How to Roast a Turkey' just 10 minutes before the demo. Fake it 'til you make it—that was my motto."

She was a natural, roasting 45 more turkeys through the Thanksgiving holiday season.

"I stood at a cooktop all day, talking to all the housewives about how to use the products and the best ways to roast a turkey," she said. "It was fun. The days went by fast. I enjoyed putting things together and seeing a result. I enjoyed talking to people. So I decided to give culinary school a try."

At a time when Food Network was gaining popularity and with two college degrees already under her belt, a then 23-year-old Suzanne enrolled at the Art Institute in Nashville and was immediately admitted.

"It was the hardest thing I've ever done," she said. "You had to line up at 6:00 a.m. every morning in your full uniform for your chef instructor to inspect you. Then it was 8-9 hours in the kitchen—working on projects, perfecting recipes, creating menus, working with budgets, buying products, and managing cost control."

During her two-year culinary education, Suzanne worked two jobs. The first was cutting the fat off of meat in a now-defunct, Cool Springs-based prep kitchen. After that short stint, she moved on to a soda-shop-restaurant-combo called Diana's Sweet Shop in downtown Nashville.

"I started there as a cook, making sandwiches, soups, and salads," she said. "About the time I was finished with culinary school, a kitchen manager position opened up and I took it. Within 4-5 months, I went from cook to General Manager."

Her knowledge of the food industry only expanded over her one-and-a-half-year career there. But her time quickly came to an end when she looked back over an 8-day span and realized she'd just worked 108 hours in that short amount of time. The job had consumed her.

That's when she met Michael Bolling with Southern Foodservice Management, a company already in talks with Brentwood Baptist about the next steps.

Lisa Francisco said, "We saw there was a need to have more than what we'd had in the past. Opening the cafe brought that awareness. We knew we needed someone full-time. We researched and found this food service vendor and we're the first church they've worked with."

Michael introduced Suzanne to the new partnership by meeting her in the Connection Cafe. Then and there, she was asked the be the new Food Services Director, managing all food-related things inside the church, the catering to outside groups using the church, the Cafe, and Wednesday Night Supper.

On August 1, Suzanne joined the staff and immediately began making improvements.

Pre-packaged, pre-cooked food items are now extinct in the cafe. Specials are created daily and food is made fresh each morning. Sandwich and coffee prices have dropped. Burgers are more impressive. Pasta and fruit cups are always on hand. And new menus are on their way up.

"When I got here, there were three lonely muffins sitting in the pastry case," she said. "Now, there are bagels, scones, muffins, danishes, homemade biscotti, and parfaits every morning. And we serve breakfast sandwiches on Sundays."

Suzanne manages 10 employees who work behind the counter, most of whom are high school students with first-time jobs from our own Student Ministry. And she brought in a friend from culinary school, a pastry chef, who was previously teaching cooking classes.

Practicing customer service in her family's business, seeing what ministry and service looks like at Fuge camps, and understanding the intricate details of the food industry, Suzanne feels likes she's come full circle. And, now, she's exactly where God wants her to be.

"This is my ministry," she said. "I've had great feedback from everyone and lots of support. Working with the ministries and members, I now have a job that's purposeful. I'm most excited about what I can do, the opportunities that are coming our way, and the people I get to meet and work with."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/09-14/brentwood-baptist-welcomes-new-executive-chef-and-food-services-director http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/09-14/brentwood-baptist-welcomes-new-executive-chef-and-food-services-director Once again, Brentwood Baptist members were surprised this past Sunday with an annual challenge: the one-day-only Graceworks Food Drive.

Set up by Aaron Bryant, Kairos Pastor, from the stage on Sunday morning in his message, "Humility+Service," the parameters were laid out. The effort complements our current sermon series called Better Together.

"We have opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ all the time," he said. "And sometimes, in a large church, it's difficult to have an 'all-play' where we all get together and mobilize ourselves. . . . But today, we have an opportunity to be the church and meet a physical need for the purpose of meeting the ultimate spiritual need, which is Jesus Christ."

Aaron explained that those attending could find a list of groceries and supplies needed on the inserts in their bulletins. They were to take that list to local stores, fill up their baskets with those specific items, and bring it back to the church parking lot between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. that day.

"We're again mobilizing the church . . . not to serve out of duty or obligation—that's not what we're being called to do—but out of joy," Aaron said. "This is a tangible way you can grab your children and said, 'This is what the church is. This is who we are. We're better together—with our resources, time, and efforts.' . . . Have fun with it . . . being better together than as individuals."

As soon as the services ended, members set out to bless the Franklin-based Hope For the World Missions Offering ministry partner, who serves people in need throughout Williamson County. When they returned, Brentwood Baptist deacons and volunteers were waiting with rented trucks to receive the donations.

At closing time, more than 1,150 people in 644 cards had participated, dropping off 30,306 pounds of food and supplies—3,500 pounds more than last year. The total haul, which filled three truckloads, will leave the ministry's pantry stocked for months.

Becky Gross, Community Missions Minister, who coordinated the event, said, "Thank you, Brentwood Baptist, for your generosity. A special thanks goes to our amazing deacons for all of their hard work and to Aaron Bryant for casting the vision of how we can be better together as a church."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-31/more-than-30000-pounds-of-food-and-supplies-given-during-graceworks-food-drive http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-31/more-than-30000-pounds-of-food-and-supplies-given-during-graceworks-food-drive Back in the "glory days," as Cathy Patterson calls it, John Cook started and funded the Brentwood Baptist College Ministry. He was the driver of that caravan until he recently handed over the reins to Kairos.

This once under-the-radar ministry, now officially dubbed "Kairos on Campus," has been pushed into the spotlight and is increasingly become an extremely vital appendage to this body of Christ.

Cathy Patterson, Kairos Catalyst Minister, who'll be heading up this ministry, said, "There are 90,000 college students within a 50-mile radius of Brentwood Baptist. And we haven't even skimmed the surface of reaching those that fall into that category. College is an important time in a students' lives, so we're placing an importance on this ministry."

According to Cathy, college ministry is necessary to bridge the generational gap from dependent high school student to independent young adult. She said, "This time in their lives is when they get their first taste of independence. They don't have to get up early in the morning. They don't have to do anything they really don't want to do. They have their first class at 10:00 a.m. and are home in time to watch reruns of Saved by the Bell."

But, even though they've gained a newfound freedom, they're also slapped with the added, sometimes daunting responsibilities of becoming an adult: learning life management skills, how to balance a checking account, remembering to eat three meals a day and do their laundry, and so on.

"All of a sudden, they've got all this crazy new stuff happening in their lives," she said. "They've also got a world of ideas and truths that are being forced on them. Kairos on Campus is a safe place where they can find a foundation, where they can find solid ground, where they can learn those skills and grow spiritually."

On Sunday, August 14, Kairos on Campus was officially launched, premiering a unique ministry to college students through Bible study (led by Stephen Wald), worship at the 11:11 a.m. service, and a family-style lunch. Overall, more than 30 students showed up to participate.

From now on, college students in the greater Nashville area can find a unique, grounded college ministry at Brentwood Baptist that offers ways they can consistently develop community—studying the Bible, worshipping together, serving beside one another, and building lifelong friendships:

• Bible Study: Sundays | 9:30 AM | Inman Deaf Chapel
• Worship: Sundays | 11:11 AM | Hudson Hall
• Lunch: Sundays | 12:30 PM | TBD (twice a month, free lunch is offered in the Connection Cafe)
• LIFE Group: Mondays | Belmont/Vandy/Lipscomb area

There's no denying that every college campus in the Nashville area has its own personality and characteristics—from the spiritual climate to the number of students who commute each week—which then affects the students themselves. And generally, students all over gravitate toward hanging around coffee shops, apartment complexes, restaurants, bookstores, and other local venues.

All these factors—including the research that shows a healthy college ministry takes at least 2-3 years to show growth and form an identity—affect the future of Kairos on Campus, how they intend to reach each set of students, what pace they'll set to do it, and the types of methods they'll use.

"This ministry will be held together by community and spiritual life instead of religious programming. It will be a face-to-face grass roots experience that puts students into Bible study, community, service, and outreach," Cathy said.

The name "Kairos on Campus" explains their mission. The intention isn't for Brentwood Baptist to always be the main hub. Instead, the Kairos crew and those college students who are actively involved will spread out, connecting with other students right where they do life, bringing college campuses in this area together.

"When you love people like Jesus loves them, then people come to Him. We're going to love these students whether they're entrusted to us for a lifetime or for a college semester," Cathy said. "I don't know exactly where we're going, but I can tell you what we're going to do—we're going to keep our eyes on Jesus and let Him show us the next steps. If we do that, we'll build solid community and the rest will be all details."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer

Click here to get more details about Kairos on Campus or contact Cathy Patterson or Jared Burke.]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-30/kairos-on-campus-a-ministry-to-college-students-kicks-off http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-30/kairos-on-campus-a-ministry-to-college-students-kicks-off On Sunday, August 21, more than 1,100 gathered during a 5:00 p.m. special service to honor our Senior Pastor for his 20 years of ministry and service to Brentwood Baptist.

At the hour-long service, Mike was joined by his family: his wife, Jeannie, and his sons, including their wives, Chris and Deb and Craig and Nan. His parents, mentors, and lifelong friends also filled the pews along with members of this church.

The worship team, choir, and orchestra led a time of worship. And a song titled Word of God, Life to Me was presented to Mike—a work that was specifically written and composed for the anniversary celebration by our own talented members: lyrics written by Karla Worley, Mike Harland, David Hamilton, and Ric Domenico; music created by Shelly Johnson and David Hamilton; and arranged and orchestrated by David Hamilton.

Bill Wilson Jr., the son of Bill Wilson Sr. who was the first pastor of Brentwood Baptist for 20 years before Mike, was the first guest to take the stage. Celebrating 30 years in ministry himself, Bill Jr. first met Mike in seminary where they became fast friends.

For that reason, Mike was well acquainted with Bill Wilson Sr. long before he was ever considered to be pastor of this church. The history began there. After Bill recommended Mike and he accepted the call, Bill became an even closer friend and mentor.

"I was in [Mike and Jeannie's] wedding and we shared the births of our children," Bill Jr. said. "Mike has ministered to my family through the death of my dad five yeas ago this fall. I'm so grateful to be here today and only sorry he cannot be here in person, but he's certainly with us."

Now the president of The Center for Congregational Health, Bill Jr. explained that one of the primary traits of a healthy church is healthy leadership.

"I want to say a special word of thanks to Mike, Jeannie, their family, and this congregation for modeling what that means," Bill said. "Thank you for being a good leader. Thank you for humility and a sense of humor. Thank you for recognizing there was a Brentwood Baptist before you and there will be one after you."

When Bill Wilson Sr. retired as pastor of Brentwood Baptist to take a position with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, his son said he was fearful. He worried the church would take a nose dive and crumble. But his fears were soon put to rest.

Nearly 12 years ago, after attending a service where Mike preached, Bill Wilson Sr. penned what Mike and Bill Jr. called the "Letter of Blessing." It says:

Dear Mike,

As I sat in the services today, I was overwhelmed with the realization of God's blessings in my life. I've been given the gift of helping start two new church families and seeing them both grow into strong, impactive churches.

But when I began to sense that God was calling me away from Brentwood Baptist to the Tennessee Baptist Convention, the thought that bothered me most was: how can I stand it if a new pastor comes to this church and the church loses its vision or is torn apart by internal dissension? I couldn't stay in this community and see something like that take place after putting 22 years of my life into this church.

I dreamed and prayed that God would bring someone here to lead this church to the greater glory for Himself and not let the church betray its mission. Today . . . God reminded me that He had done that too, and I thank God for you.

I sensed God saying that now was not the time to quit dreaming big dreams, so I'm back to dreaming big dreams again. I want to see God's spirit come over this church in great power, interrupting our plans with His greater plans, with such demonstration that all will know this is only something God can do.

Along with you, Mike, I want to see God do the things only He can do in this place. Thank you for your friendship and encouragement. I think you are God's man on this day, for this day, and I'm so grateful to be a part of it.

After Bill Wilson Jr. left the stage, Mike was honored with a lengthy video message, which included congratulations from:
• Hardy Clemmons, an early mentor
• Bob Fisher, president of Belmont University
• Scot McKnight, author of Jesus Creed
• Ricky Watson, chief of Brentwood police
• Dr. Wade Rowatt, professor at Baptist Seminary of Kentucky
• John and Barbara Glenn, Mike's parents
• Brad Paisley, country singer

Famous country singer, Brad Paisley, remembered when he first heard Mike on stage as the guest speaker at a Belmont University chapel service.

"I had prepared to cut out early . . . and halfway through the sermon, I realized this is where I need to be going to church because this guy is as inspiring a speaker as I've ever heard," he said. "I can't talk enough about how talented and wonderful I think he is. But, more than that, he's been a friend to me."

Brad remembers getting his first record deal and going to Mike to talk about his fears of what that success might do to him as a person. Mike took him aside and counseled him in that moment—and has been doing so since then.

"On a Sunday morning at Brentwood Baptist, I went under the water and I've been a member ever since," Brad said. "Of all the spiritual leaders in this world that I've had the good fortune to meet, I don't think any of them have impacted me the way he has. We're the luckiest church in all of Tennessee and all of America to have him."

Several Brentwood Baptist members were also featured on the video, remembering the last 20 years of Mike's ministry and leadership.

Jan Foust, member of the 1991 Pastor Search Team that called Mike, said, "All we were trying to do was prayerfully and obediently find God's person that He'd chosen for the church. All we knew was what we were at that moment. We could not have imagined where God wanted to take the congregation. God clearly identified him. The thing that was the most important to the members was that somebody in the pulpit deliver God's Word with clarity and in a profound way. The first time we heard Mike Glenn, we believed he was, indeed, that person."

Gayle Haywood, Senior Adult Minister who has served for more than 20 years on staff, said, "I would describe this church, under the leadership of Bill Wilson and Mike Glenn, as an innovative church. I think Mike has helped us to realize that gift has been placed in each of us. As each member has discovered their giftedness and has begun to explore and exercise that gift, that has enabled us to minister in ways...that we would not have been able to accomplish otherwise."

Toward to end of the service, the church was led in responsive reading by Jay Strother, pastor of The Church At Station Hill, and Aaron Bryant, Kairos pastor—two young leaders Mike has taken under his wing and mentored in recent years.

To wrap things up, Betty Wiseman, longtime member and Trustee, surprised Mike with three things: a book full of the notes of thanks, encouragement, and congratulations sent in my members in the weeks before the service; a memory book chronicling his last 20 years with history, stories, and pictures; and the Dr. Michael L. Glenn Pastoral Development fund, developed by the Trustees as a gift to honor Mike.

The purpose of the newly established fund, available to emerging pastoral ministry leaders being mentored and coached specifically by Mike, is to assist them in furthering their development by attending seminars, workshops, lectures, and online events, and to purchase personal library additions and marriage enrichment resources.

The first recipient, Jamie Thompson, pastor of Reborn Community Church in Chicago, was a guest at the service and on hand to receive it directly from our Pastor.

"I didn't know anything about this," Jamie said to Mike. "I just came this weekend to honor you. I feel honored that you take time to help people like me—simple people trying to love Jesus, serve Him, and do His work. So thank you. Thank you for your work and for your willingness to work in my own life."

At the conclusion, Mike and his family took the stage, where he said, "Of all the things that have happened, and of all the things I've been a part of, and of all the things I've been able to witness here, honestly, I don't know why Jesus likes me so much and lets me do this great stuff. . . . Being your pastor and watching what God has done in and through you amazes me. If there was ever a pastor who loved his church, I love you. . . . Thank you for these 20 years."

Photos by Joe Hendricks
Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Thu, 25 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-25/senior-pastor-mike-glenn-honored-for-20-years-of-ministry-in-special-service http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-25/senior-pastor-mike-glenn-honored-for-20-years-of-ministry-in-special-service For many Brentwood Baptist students, summer isn't just a time to unplug from the world and wait for a new school year. It's a time to go, serve, and build community. Every summer, the Student Ministry offers students a chance to participate in missions, discipleship, and leadership opportunities through four major events. Below is the last of a four-part recap of the incredible things that happened among our students this summer:

For the past seven years, Brentwood Baptist has had a close friendship and partnership with Jamie Thompson, pastor of Reborn Community Church in Chicago, Illinois, supporting him and sending teams to minister to his community. And it all started with our students.

This year, we continued the tradition. From July 16-22, 94 high school students and 23 adults entered the Windy City to mark their eighth visit to Garfield Park in Chicago, working hand-in-hand with Reborn Community Church.

What started in 2004 as a handful of people meeting in Pastor Jamie's living room has now grown to a congregation of 60-70 members who meet each week in an old 2-story firehouse on one of the busiest, and most dangerous, corners in the area.

Amy-Jo Girardier, Brentwood Baptist Girls Minister and Student Missions Coordinator, said, "That corner is the center, the hub, or almost all activity in that area. More than 83 neighborhoods make up Chicago. Each of them have different ethnic groups living in them. Garfield Park is primarily African American. And, like so many of the other communities, its one that's very broken and doesn't have a lot of hope spoken into it."

Victoria McKee, a Brentwood Baptist summer intern, said, "Many people on the L-train would ask us where we were headed or what we were doing in Chicago. We would say, 'We're helping out in the Garfield Park area for a local church . . . and telling others about the Lord.' Many would respond, 'You know that's a bad part of town, right?' or 'Why would you go there? It's a scary place.' Hearing people say that, I knew we were going to the right place. The Lord loves everyone. Even in the darkest area, a light needs to be planted and that's why we go."

Throughout the weeklong mission journey, the students broke up into teams, rotating between hosting Vacation Bible School, throwing a block party, repairing the church building, and participating in service evangelism such as passing out lemonade and flyers about Reborn.

Josh Shelley, a Brentwood Baptist summer intern who was on the trip, said, "One of the coolest stories that came out of watching God at work in these students was seeing them worship at nights and in the morning, and then watching them serve during the day. It was incredible to see them place Christ in the center of their lives—both in worship and service."

"Going to the park and spending time with the kids was a blast," Victoria said, "but it also broke our hearts. We'd leave and many of the kids would start crying because they didn't want us to. We didn't know what the rest of their days would be like or what they'd be doing or what would happen to them. But while they were at the park, we made sure they had fun. I know the Lord worked after we left in ways I couldn't even see."

Already Reborn Community Church has established a solid presence in the community since it began. And because of Brentwood Baptist's annual support and partnership, we're continuing to build relationships with the people in that community as well.

"The trip wasn't for us," said Victoria. "It was for the people in Garfield Park to know that someone loves them—and His name is Jesus."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer

Read the story about Jamie Thompson, Reborn Community Church, and how they're ministering to a broken community every day.]]> Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-24/student-summer-recap-part-4-chicago-mission-journey http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-24/student-summer-recap-part-4-chicago-mission-journey You may have noticed it as you walked by. At some point, you may have even stuck your head in the door to check things out or picked up a sermon series you intended giving to a friend. Then again, maybe you’ve only seen the books from the outside window.

It’s a little gem, tucked away just outside the main sanctuary. No, not by the Parlor. It’s on the other side. It’s the Doris T. Aderholt Library.

When I first called Doris, she was on her way to be with her friend Betty, who was going through a death in her family. It wasn’t until I sat down and talked with her that I realized that Doris and Betty had been friends for more than 40 years.

Doris and her husband moved to Nashville in 1959 so that her husband could work with the Baptist Sunday School Board, known as Lifeway today. In the fall of 1969, they joined Brentwood Baptist when the newly established Brentwood Baptist Church met at the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home.

On June 20, 1971, Doris started the library along with the help of her friend Betty. She said, “[It] started as two hand-made bookshelves on rollers. We would close them up and store them during the week and pull them out on Sunday. Although there were only two shelves with 100 books, we had a variety of topics—Bible Study, Adult and Children’s Fiction—and we even had a film-strip projector.”

Doris and I spent a lot of time looking over old pictures. She had pictures of the first book that was purchased for the library. She showed me how the library was set up in the Women’s Baptistery and a picture of the cake from the library’s third birthday.

While looking through photos, she’d tell me who was in the picture and a little about their lives now. And she’d tell me about the books. “See this…book, The Bible is a Special Book? It’s still in circulation today. There were others that the Baptist Sunday School Board gave us that were in circulation until 1995, but they’ve been retired.”

Doris and Betty were intentional when it came to children. They made sure there were attractive window displays and summer reading programs, which included visual aids.

The first year, they made a tree out of paper and taped it to the end of the stow-away bookshelves. When a child read a certain amount of books, they would put a red-dot apple on the tree. Another year was a “Candy Land” theme, so candy was tied to a tree and the children were given a piece of candy as they returned their books.

“Challenging young people to read has always been my goal,” she said. “If people wanted a book, we would get it for them with the hope that it would enrich their life and their study. But helping children find a book that they could enjoy, and seeing their eyes light up and imagine they could become the person they were reading about, that was my favorite.”

In 1995, after years and years of opening the library before and after each church service, and after countless summer reading programs, Doris and Betty retired. They decided it was time to move on and let someone else have a chance to serve.

Enter Sue Caldwell, our current Brentwood Baptist Librarian. It was a natural transition for Sue as she had worked with Doris and Betty to understand her new role and carry on what they had started. “I built on what she left me,” Sue said.

This summer, the Brentwood Baptist Library celebrated its 40th birthday. Back then, there were 100 books in the library set up in a hallway at the Children’s Home. Today, there are more than 20,000 books, CDs, DVDs, reference materials, and more in circulation at the Doris T. Aderholt Library.

Doris and Betty live in Franklin, and they still get together every week after 40 years of friendship and 24 years of service together at Brentwood Baptist’s Library.

“Betty Heath, Faye Payne, and the other volunteer staff were wonderful,” Doris said. “We wouldn’t have been the same without all of those who helped process books and type up charge cards. Now, Sue is so helpful and gives very personal service to everyone. She does more than I ever could have done. We wanted the Library to be a place of service. At least we hoped it would be.”

So go ahead, stick your head in the door, wander among the shelves, check out a book, movie, or sermon series. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, ask for it. Sue Caldwell and the library staff will be there to carry on the legacy and serve.

Story by Heather Proctor, Volunteer Writer

The library is open each Sunday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. During the week, you can stop by on Tuesdays (9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.) or Thursdays (9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.). Click here to get more details, including our online catalog of resources.]]> Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-22/brentwood-baptist-library-celebrates-40-years http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-22/brentwood-baptist-library-celebrates-40-years
In 2009, Garfield Park had more murders than any other Chicago Police District.

A local hospital called it the most dangerous neighborhood to raise a child in.

Sixty-five percent of the children there live in single-parent homes,

Sixty percent of residents live below the poverty line.

"I grew up in the neighborhood next to Garfield Park," said Jamie Thompson, Pastor of Reborn Community Church. "It was just as dangerous back then. It was the kind of place you want to get out of, so I did."

But in 2004, Jamie had a vision from the Lord as he served with the missions ministry at Armitage Church in Chicago. God told him to move back into that neighborhood and start a church.

"I met the Brentwood Baptist Student Ministry team in 2005," Jamie said. "They'd come through to serve and I shared with them what I was looking to do in the west side of Chicago. Then, Scott Harris [Missions Minister] came to visit us and talked about a partnership."

Before he ever heard back from Scott, with no support or funds and by faith alone, Jamie moved his family into the neighborhood and started reaching out to the community. They bought a home and heard the Lord again speak to them: "Quit your jobs, trust Me, and minister to this community."

In the spring of 2006, with just a handful of people, Armitage Church Garfield held its first worship service and Bible study in the Thompson family's living room.

"I didn't have any way to provide for my family, but God kept pointing me back to what He'd called me to do through people and circumstances. Then, Scott Harris called and said Brentwood Baptist wanted to provide for our needs and help us get started," Jamie said.

That started a 7-year partnership of support from Brentwood Baptist to this thriving congregation in a broken, desperate community through the Hope for the World Missions Offering. From day one, their growth has forced them to move to larger locations to accommodate those who came through the doors.

They launched their first service at an elementary school in 2006, leased a bigger storefront in 2008, and just as recent as this past January, they took on a new name, Reborn Community Church, and moved into an old firehouse on one of the busiest corners in the area.

"This area is very poor, depressed. Most of the people don't have jobs," Jamie said. "Without partners working with us, we're not able to do the work to pour our lives and time into the lives of these people."

Elizabeth is one life that was transformed. On drugs for most of her life, she has a history prostitution, jail, and back again through the cycle. She cried out to God, asking for help, and Reborn moved into the storefront right under her home, introducing her to Jesus. Now, she's flourishing in her walk with Christ.

Teenage Sharelle was living in a crack house across the street from the place where Reborn had started a Bible study. Jamie reached out to her and the other kids living there.

"She and her brother were saved and now they're being discipled," Jamie said. "She was used and abused and is now serving the kingdom as an asset in our neighborhood. Support from a church like Brentwood Baptist allowed a young girl to move from a crack house to the honor roll, and now she's looking to go to college."

Shapel was on the streets, living under the lock and key of a violent neighborhood gang. Through Reborn, he found Christ, started walking with Him, and he's now sharing Christ on the streets he once terrorized.

Frank was living in a halfway house and was addicted to drugs when he visited Jamie's Bible study. He received Christ, moved into Reborn's group home, and journeyed with the church as he grew in his faith.

"The beginning of change is salvation, but there's a process after that of building new habits, behaviors, and skills in them so they can be a functional member of society," Jamie said. "Frank just graduated from culinary school and finished his internship. Now, he's looking to get a job as a chef in a restaurant."

These are just a few of the stories and transformations that have bubbled up since they began embracing the neighborhood's "least of these." Each week, they welcome in 60-70 people and minister to hundreds more on the streets.

Jamie said, "In the last month, we shared the gospel with 141 people and counting. We'd like to share who Jesus is with 1,000 between now and the end of the year. This is a tough place to live. I've been hit by a car. We've had fires. There are always prostitutes, drug addicts, and gang-bangers on our streets. There's constant stress having to live here or the inconvenience of always being in danger, but it's worth it."

Their slogan is: "Transforming lives…one soul at a time." And they mean it. They want to be a church that's a community center for people.

"Our church is more than just a Sunday morning service," Jamie said. "It's a mission in the neighborhood. It's a place of transformational hope. We're looking to make this current location our home. Without Brentwood Baptist, we couldn't do this ministry in a broken area and economy. And it's not a benefit to serve in this area. It's a necessity."

When Jamie first accepted the call to Garfield Park, he caught a vision for reaching the entire community with the gospel and that hasn't waned since he first began. Now, he's adds his gratitude every day for the support Brentwood Baptist has given in catching that vision as well.

"I can't stress how important this partnership is," he said. "We wouldn't exist without Brentwood Baptist. The Lord has all kinds of means to accomplish His goal, but he calls people to accept it and play their part. Brentwood Baptist has done that. This would've just been a dream if there wasn't a church who said they wanted to be a part of that. Words can't express how thankful I am that you've joined hands with us so lives can be changed here in Garfield Park."How you can pray for Reborn Community Church and Jamie Thompson:

• Pray that God would provide the funds necessary so they can purchase the old firehouse building and permanently plant themselves in the community.
• Pray for the safety of the members of Reborn, the Thompson family, and those they're trying to reach.
• Pray for the growth of their church and leadership team.
• Pray that the gospel would reach to the edges of their community and beyond.

Click here to help support Jamie and Reborn Community Church in their ministry to Garfield Park through the Hope for the World Missions Offering.

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Fri, 19 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-19/jamie-thompson-ministers-to-prostitutes-drug-addicts-and-gang-members-in-chicago http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-19/jamie-thompson-ministers-to-prostitutes-drug-addicts-and-gang-members-in-chicago For many Brentwood Baptist students, summer isn't just a time to unplug from the world and wait for a new school year. It's a time to go, serve, and build community. Every summer, the Student Ministry offers students a chance to participate in missions, discipleship, and leadership opportunities through four major events. Below is the third of a four-part recap of the incredible things that happened among our students this summer:

One of the biggest events of the summer for our Student Ministry takes place far, far away from home. On June 25, 265 middle school students, high school students, and leaders piled on a bus and headed to summer camp—something that most adults can remember doing in their youth.

But these students aren't experiencing the typical bug spray, log cabins, campfires, and wienie roasts over a week of Bible study and worship. No—their camp memories take place on a beach in Florida.

This year's theme was "Connect" and the trip is more intentional than some may think. Aaron Bryant, Kairos Pastor at Brentwood Baptist, traveled with the Student Ministry team to teach the students all week. During that time, 14 students made the decision of a lifetime to follow Christ while 16 were baptized.

Linc Taylor, Student Minister, said, "It's a fun setting and it seems like we're all play. While we do include time for that, we're also very serious and intentional about what happens there."

The three main goals of camp this year were: 1) to push students toward becoming leaders in the Student Ministry; 2) to invite unconnected friends and introduce them to Jesus; and 3) to create a sense of belong and community among the students.

"They invite their friends and 'fringe' students every year," said Linc. "'Fringe' students are those who only go to worship, but aren't really involved in other things outside of that. This is a chance for us to get them involved and introduce them to community within this ministry—and get their parents on board with that as well."

According to Josh Shelley, a Student Ministry Intern, God used the combination of 45 student-led groups, Bible study, worship, messages brought by Aaron, free time, intramural sports, and hang-out time to do some transforming things among our students. He said, "The cool thing about being a leader is that I got to help students process through that morphing time throughout the week."

"One really cool conversation I had with an upcoming tenth grade guy involved being a leader and how he can pull his class together at school," Josh said. "We discussed the challenges of being leader and, ultimately, came to the conclusion that true leadership is merely following Christ's example. I can't wait to see the kind of man of God he becomes."

Camp didn't end a week later on June 29 for some. While grades 6-11 did, in fact, make the long journey home that day, 31 students in twelfth grade stuck around for a few more days of "Senior Stay"—a time for them to process through the years together and discuss what happens next in their lives.

"Our overall intent with camp isn't just to go and have fun at the beach," Linc said. "It's truly a time to get away, be saturated with truth, and allow God to move among us. And that's what He did."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Wed, 17 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-17/student-summer-recap-part-3-summer-camp-in-florida http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-17/student-summer-recap-part-3-summer-camp-in-florida For many Brentwood Baptist students, summer isn't just a time to unplug from the world and wait for a new school year. It's a time to serve and go. Every summer, the Student Ministry offers students a chance to participate in missions, discipleship, and leadership opportunities through four major events: Mission615, Summer Camp, Vancouver Mission Journey, and Chicago Mission Journey.

Below is the second of a four-part recap of the incredible things that happened among our students this summer:

For the second year in a row, 24 of our high school students traveled northwest to Vancouver to partner with The Point Church from June 11-18, a Brentwood Baptist partner led by Pastor Victor Thomas (son of John Thomas, founder of Living Hope, and another Hope for the World Missions Offering partner).

As their first project, the students led The Point's two Sunday worship services, both morning (family-focused) and evening (young adult and student-focused).

Amy-Jo Girardier, Girls Minister and Student Missions Coordinator, said, "This was the first time we helped lead the entire church service. Victor and Candace were expecting their first child that week, so Linc filled in and preached. The students created a the prayer experience to help encourage members and our student band helped lead worship."

Ministering primarily to the Simon Fraser University (SFU) students and surrounding community, the Brentwood Baptist team was welcomed back, building on the work that took place last year.

"The community is largely suspicious of organized religion," Amy-Jo said. "Over the years, Victor has tried to be intentional about building relationships and earning the right to share Christ with them. A lot of the things we did reinforced those already established relationships."

After leading The Point in worship, the students began the week by prayer walking. In addition, they prepared eco-friendly wildflower seed packets, labeled with the church address, and passed them out as invitations to those who happened upon nearby bus stops and other locations.

"We also baked cakes for the different departments and department heads at Simon Fraser," Amy-Jo said. "The students took them around and said, 'thank you,' for all they do in the community on behalf of The Point."

Last June, the students worked in the community garden near Simon Fraser—and, unfortunately, it wasn't touched until they walked through the gates one year later. Made up of 100 plots, the team mulched, cleaned, repaired, gardened, planted, and more.

"That project really got the name of The Point and Victor out to the community, especially the school," said Linc Taylor, Student Minister. "One lady lived an hour away and had a plot. Victor e-mailed those who had plots and told them we'd be there to help with it. This lady drove in and met one of our students, who had an opportunity to pray with her later in the week when she came back."

Toward the end of the week, the students left the SFU area and went to a darker location in Vancouver, a small area on Hastings Street known as being the poorest ZIP code in North America.

Amy-Jo said, "You walk into a sea of hundreds of men and women who are homeless, living on that street. They aren't hungry; they can get free food all over Vancouver. Their biggest need is socks and keeping their feet dry and clean. So we passed out nearly 200 pairs of socks all over East Hastings and prayed with people."

Michael Vicary, a Brentwood Baptist intern this summer, said, "Local authorities put the homeless in a run-down, unused area of downtown and basically allow them to do whatever they want as long as they stay in that area. As we walked through the streets, I felt more spiritually and emotionally overwhelmed than I had ever felt before. There were people drinking, openly using drugs, and even some women prostituting themselves. It was such a dark place, but it was exactly where Jesus would've gone."

This particular project made a huge impact on many of the students. Michael said, "It was amazing to watch students boldly go to a place that society had given up on. They handed out every pair of socks they had, but, more importantly, they talked to the homeless. They asked questions and were interested in their responses. They didn't judge the situations they were in, but loved as Jesus would. They even told them about God's great love for them. It was a beautiful picture of Christ's love for His people, and our students served boldly, without hindrance."

The students and leaders also traveled to a place called God Road, which was home to several different religious institutions. Amy-Jo said, "You had the Buddhist Temple right next to the mosque. They were all lined up down this street."

The team made appointments to go and visit several different religious establishments so they could hear what they believe. Their presentations spurred our students to ask bold, deep questions of the religious leaders about why they believed the way they did.

Linc Taylor said, "There was definitely a sadness among our group to hear what they believed. It led us to some good biblical discussions to process what they said against the gospel. We looked at the Bible, discussed the false teaching about each of them, and discussed apologetics."

As a wrap-up, the students and leaders hosted a community carnival alongside members of The Point. Nearly 100 people stopped by the Univer-City area, an area flourishing with young families. Some who came even remembered the group from last year, expressing their excitement about bringing everyone together and what this could mean for the future of their community.

At the end of the week, the students and leaders left having planted seeds of the gospel, watering them with Christ's love, all over the city of Vancouver.

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Fri, 12 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-12/student-summer-recap-part-2-vancouver-canada-mission-journey http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-12/student-summer-recap-part-2-vancouver-canada-mission-journey Many of us are quite familiar with the sound of an annoying buzzing or beeping or the intrusion of the radio that our alarms bring to us each weekday morning. The great majority of us are equally acquainted with the nearly natural reflex to reach for the snooze button in the attempt to steel a few more moments of sleep.

But since the November of last year, the “Men in Action” Bible study group have embraced this time each morning. At 6:00 a.m., before many alarms have even gone off, these men get together for prayer, counsel, and fellowship.  

The group was meeting each Friday and had started going through the book of Acts. Passages at the end of chapter two stood out to the men in the group, particularly 2:46, which states that the early church were “day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes.”

These passages sparked a discussion amongst the group about the frequency of their interaction. Most people of the contemporary church meet only once a week on Sundays, or, perhaps, once more in a small group Bible study. So, building off of the example of the early church, these men decided to get together early every morning except Friday.

They get together through the wonders of modern technology and the convenience of a conference call provided by one of the members business. But even though they aren't physically communing with each other every day, there's been a marked impact in their lives.

The change from meeting weekly to getting together every morning is crucial. Often times, the people of the church have the view of the Sunday service or Bible study as being like a fuel stop. The tank is filled on Sunday and, hopefully, that will be enough to last till next Sunday.

This isn't God’s intention for getting into the Word, worshipping, or Christian fellowship. Jesus said to take up your cross daily and follow Him. He taught us to ask our Father in heaven for our daily bread, which is especially interesting in light of Jesus’ proclamation to be the Bread of Life.

The daily aspect intended for our walk is found throughout Scripture. These men take the opportunity to begin each day before the thrown of the Almighty God, seek His strength, His joy, and lay their cares down at His feet.

The early morning get together is focused on praying intentionally for one another and the various things that may be affecting their lives. It also provides support and accountability on a daily basis.

“The daily prayer calls,” said one group member, “have allowed me to have a more positive attitude at work. During the morning call, I'm able to release the worries and concerns before I arrive at the office. This allows me to be better at reacting to situations the way Jesus would want me to.”

We're created for community. There's no lone ranger in Christianity. If you think about all those predatory shows on the Discovery Channel, it's always the one wildebeest, zebra, or gazelle, off by itself, that's chased down by the lion or cheetah. Our enemy, who goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, does the same thing.

The morning calls provide the sense of camaraderie amongst the men in the group, that they aren’t fighting by themselves, that other brothers are there with them, encouraging them, praying for them, and holding them accountable. And that makes all the difference.

For these men, this has been a journey. Six o' clock a.m. comes early, and sometimes it's hard to get up. But knowing there are other men counting on you, your prayers, support, and partnership each morning makes it much easier, not to mention the opportunity to see God move.

They've kept a prayer journal and have seen the faithfulness of God both in answering their prayers and changing their lives, fulfilling His purpose as they look more like Christ every day.

Story by Forrest Smith, Volunteer Writer]]> Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-10/men-in-action-small-group-starts-each-day-with-600-am-conference-call http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-10/men-in-action-small-group-starts-each-day-with-600-am-conference-call For many Brentwood Baptist students, summer isn't just a time to unplug from the world and wait for a new school year. It's a time to serve and go.

Every summer, the Student Ministry offers students a chance to participate in missions, discipleship, and leadership opportunities through four major events: Mission615, Summer Camp, Vancouver Mission Journey, and Chicago Mission Journey.

Below is the first of a four-part recap of the incredible things that happened among our students this summer:

Mission 615
Over three days, from June 6-8, six teams made up of 55 middle school students and 17 leaders spread out across nine different Nashville sites to serve:

Grace M. Eaton
A child care center in inner-city Nashville for children, ages 6-12.

Nashville Rescue Mission
A faith-based organization that helps the hurting of Middle Tennessee by offering food, clothing, and shelter to the homeless and recovery programs to those enslaved in addictions.

Kipp Academy
A college-preparatory charter school in east Nashville that prepares students for academics and builds character for high school and college careers.

Feed the Children
A relief organization that delivers food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities to individuals, children, and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty, or natural disasters.

Carestone
An assisted living community that provides care for senior residents.

Welcome Home Ministries
A safe house for men who seek freedom and recovery from drugs, alcohol, and a destructive way of life.

Room in the Inn
A place of shelter for the homeless of Nashville, offering food, safety, and necessities.

World Relief Nashville
An organization that resettles refugees in American culture and community.

Youth Encouragement Services (YES)
An organization that strives to enrich the lives of inner-city children through daily programs such as tutoring, summer camp, basketball leagues, job skills training, and other recreational and cultural activities.

The students participated in everything from cleaning and moving furniture to yard work and sorting donations, as well as other service projects.

Amy-Jo Girardier, Girls Minister and Student Missions Coordinator, said, "In the past, students have done hands-on work and haven't had as many actual conversations with people. I think one of the strengths of Mission 615 is that they were able to do that with people outside of the church, people out in the community."

The six teams rotated to different sites over three days, something new added to this year's agenda. Chris Blanton, Middle School Minister, said, "In years past, everybody has been at one site the whole time. This year, the students got to be exposed to the different ministries and serve them. It was good for them to have access to those ministries and see where they might serve in the future."

Each night, after a full day of service, Chris led the group in a Bible study called "Inner Armor" that focused on King David and his character. The students would end the day by experiencing downtown Nashville before they crashed for an overnight stay just a few blocks away at First Baptist Church.

Josh Shelley, Student Ministry Intern, said, "It's only a three-day trip, but God uses it to get hold of these students. One of the really cool stories that stuck with me was about an upcoming eighth grader. The morning before we left, I went upstairs to begin cleaning up the incredible mess that middle school boys leave. When I got to our room, I was surprised to find this student already cleaning. He was by himself and no one had told him to do anything. It may be simple, but that act of selflessness and leadership is exactly what God tries to teach us on mission journeys like this."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Fri, 05 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-05/student-summer-recap-part-1-mission-615 http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/08-05/student-summer-recap-part-1-mission-615 Among the myriad of Vacation Bible Schools that Brentwood Baptist is hosting around the world in 2011, including the one that took place right here in our own church, a ministry right up the road also made the list.

Set Free Church Nashville, located close to downtown, is still relatively new to the area. Birthed out of the mother church in California, the new daughter church in Nashville took flight here in 2009 and now runs a full-time discipleship training program for men who are homeless, addicted to drugs and alcohol, and are struggling through life.

Their motto? Beans, rice, and Jesus Christ. All day, every day. They go through a rigorous training program to love and serve Jesus in every area of their lives—ultimately finding redemption and healing along the way.

Open to the community, their daily morning Bible studies start at 7:00 a.m., followed by breakfast. Then, they end the week with a Sunday morning service at 11:00 a.m.

Just recently, they gained a new volunteer and attender—one of Brentwood Baptist's very own members. During the week, Mignon Camp serves on staff as the Brentwood Young Children's School (BYCS) Assistant Director.

Before stumbling across Set Free, she wrestled with finding her specific place to which God was calling her this past spring.

"I knew God was calling me to serve downtown," Mignon said. "I didn't know what I was supposed to do. Sometimes I would just go and walk the streets of downtown not knowing where to go. I would buy copies of The Contributor from different vendors. I would go to the Nashville Rescue Mission to serve meals, but that still wasn't it. I kept saying, 'God, I hear you calling me. What do you want me to do?'"

During a staff meeting several months ago, Bob Carlton, Church Planting Minister, spoke about Set Free and the stories emanating from within. Mignon said, "I knew the minute I heard it come out of his mouth—that was it. I went up to Bob after the staff meeting to learn what it was all about."

The next Sunday, Mignon traveled to South 6th Street to worship with the Set Free Church family. Later, she met Derek Evans and Matt Blinco, founders of Project 615 and faithful volunteers at Set Free, and joined them in outreach in the neighborhood. "I started going every week, doing Sunday School with kids. I just love it and what it's all about," she said.

During a recent meeting with Derek and Matt, Mignon threw this on the table: "I think God's calling me to do a Vacation Bible School there."

She said, "The church buses in the neighborhood would drive by and they'd be full of kids. We didn't know where they were going or who was taking them. I just knew then that there were tons of kids in the neighborhood and we could do this."

Set Free Pastors Martin Souter and Kenny Betzer jumped on board with the idea and gave their blessing.

"I just started rolling with it and God totally took over," Mignon said. "I had no idea what it was going to look like, who would show up, who my volunteers would be. I just knew I had to do it. As soon as I put it out there, people just started volunteering."

Every evening during July 19-21, armed with volunteers from Brentwood Baptist Church who were ready to serve and love, Set Free Nashville opened its doors to provide a meal for kids and their families before it moved into the "Big Apple Adventure."

"We fed them from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., then we'd have corporate worship with everybody," Mignon said. "Then we'd do rotations with age groups. Everybody would go between recreation, arts and crafts, and Bible study. The volunteers would rotate with them. At the end of the evening, we'd meet back in the sanctuary to review the Bible verse in sort of a Bible Jeopardy game."

Not counting the volunteer kids, nearly 65 kids from the surrounding neighborhood showed up each night. And more than enough Brentwood Baptist and Kairos volunteers were there to give their time and attention to each child.

"Everything just worked out perfectly. We ended up with everything we needed," Mignon said. "I hadn't even thought about a sound system beforehand, but Bob handled that for me. Plus, the Set Free guys had to change their whole schedule for us. They ate early so we could bring the kids in. They cleaned the church and mowed the grass. They carried in supplies and materials. They were awesome."

The three days were packed with too many highlights to recount, but, according to Bob Carlton, the best one came on the first night.

"One of the kids stopped the band during worship to ask if he could go and get his deaf mother so she could learn about faith in Jesus," Bob said. "After a resounding 'yes' from the team, he ran out the door. They were signing the words as well as singing. The next night, I stood there with tears in my eyes, watching her dance, sign, sing, and learn how much Jesus loves her."

This isn't just a one-hit wonder for the Brentwood Baptist/Set Free duo. It's the continuation of a strong partnership between the family of God for many years to come. Mignon said, "By Friday night, a couple of kids were already saying, 'When we do this next year…' I love that. It means we're giving them something to look forward to."

"It was so exciting to watch Mignon lead and to be led by her," Bob said. "It was an amazing week, and we saw God show up in huge ways down there. I was very encouraged to see many parts of our church working as one body to make an impact—Children's Ministry, Kairos, and Project 615—all working together to reach out to a hurting and broken community with the love and hope of Jesus. It was beautiful!"

Contact Mignon to volunteer alongside her at Set Free Nashville each week.

Photos taken by Todd Freundt
Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/07-27/brentwood-baptist-and-kairos-take-vbs-to-set-free-church-in-nashville http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/07-27/brentwood-baptist-and-kairos-take-vbs-to-set-free-church-in-nashville Bi-bi-bi-bi-bi-bi Big Apple Adventure.
Bi-bi-bi-bi-bi-bi Big Apple Adventure.
Where faith and life connect, Jesus directs my future.
Bi-bi-bi-bi-bi-bi Big Apple Adventure.

That particular tune could be heard sung by more than 1,300 voices, from toddlers to fifth graders, throughout the Worship Center and halls of Brentwood Baptist during Vacation Bible School last week.

Taxis, bright lights, mini Statue of Liberties, hot dog vendors, and other symbols of The Big Apple were splashed up and down the halls of our church.

If you would've walked through the doors of this building any time from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. during July 11-15, you would've thought you'd stepped into a pseudo-New York City. And we even had the crowds to prove it—boasting our biggest VBS crowd yet and the largest first day ever. Amy Carter, Children's Minister, called it OMC, or "Organized Mass Chaos."

"Everything was just bigger this year," Amy said. "We had at least 200 more kids than we had last year. But all of our volunteers were so excited and positive about it. About two weeks before VBS, we realized our registration was larger that what we'd expected. There wasn't enough time to add new classes, so we told our teachers they were going to have bigger classes. That news could frustrate some people, but our volunteers embraced it. They said, 'Bring it on!'"

At the height of the week, more than 2,000 kids had enrolled while we maintained an average of 1,300-plus and more than 450 adult volunteers each day, shuffling from worship to classrooms to recreation.

During worship, kids learned a new batch of songs coupled with choreographed moves and sign language. They were also presented with a dramatic interpretation of that day's lesson, followed by a short message by Zach Van Gieson, Children's Minister at The Church At Station Hill.

In their classrooms, they dove deeper into the biblical lessons they learned in worship, taking away a new lesson for life each day:
• Day 1 - Connecting with Faith
• Day 2 - Connecting with Love
• Day 3 - Connecting with Trust
• Day 4 - Connecting with Others
• Day 5 - Connecting with Life

Interspersed throughout the day, various age groups also participated in segment called "Missions Central," hosted by Vinny, the hot dog vendor, and Nikki, the taxi cab driver—characters played by two of our high school students. Kids were introduced to church-supported, international missionaries, Brentwood Baptist teams going out to serve, and ministry partners.

At the end of the week, in the spirit of competition between boys versus girls versus volunteers, offering totals were revealed at the Friday night VBS Celebration Service. VBS participants gave a grand total of $7,585.87 to go toward missions. Amy said, "That was huge! It was more than double what we received last year."

On Thursday, two girls enrolled in VBS were inspired by the missions presentations and set up a lemonade stand in their neighborhood to raise money. After flagging down their neighbors and passersby, the dynamic duo had collected $69 at the end of the day to contribute to the missions offering total.

On Wednesday, Brentwood Baptist members were asked to pray as the gospel was presented during the message, which produced the most exciting results of all. After discussion with their teachers and VBS volunteers, 54 children made decisions to follow Jesus with their lives and many others expressed interest in learning more about what this means.

"We had one teenager volunteering in one of our rooms who started asking the classroom director questions about faith. She wanted to talk about baptism," Amy said. "Linc [Taylor, Student Minister,] wound up talking with her on Friday and she made a decision to become a Christian. The gospel went further than just the kids, so that was a cool story."

To wrap up one of the most intense, exciting weeks in our Preschool and Children's Ministry for 2011, many VBS attenders took the stage on Sunday during worship to lead in the 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. services alongside the VBS worship team.

"VBS brings together the whole church," Amy said. "We have all age groups participating—from senior adults to infants. People line up to work together who wouldn't normally cross paths or even serve in the Children's Ministry. They're able to use their gifts and talents for recreation, serving snacks, music, teaching, parking lot, security. It's a beautiful representation of the body of Christ functioning the way its supposed to."

The whole initiative was about connecting. It wasn't just a Lifeway-inspired lesson the kids learned through VBS curriculum every day. It also lined up with who we are as a church: "to connect people to Jesus Christ through worship, discipleship, and service." It was about us connecting with parents and the community, members connecting with other members, parents connecting with their children, and, through their children, parents connecting with God.

"More than half of the children who came aren't connected to our church, and 76 kids said they weren't connected to any church at all," Amy said. "This is one of the most effective ways for our church to reach so many families in our community with the gospel every year. It's not just for us, for our church family! It's because we believe in investing in our community."

Photos by Joe Hendricks
Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/07-22/vacation-bible-school-draws-biggest-crowd-to-date http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/07-22/vacation-bible-school-draws-biggest-crowd-to-date The following story, written by Carol Stuart, was recently published on Brentwood Home Page about Brentwood Baptist members. It was a follow-up to a story about this family that first ran in December 2010. Family photo taken by Hilary Flynn Photography.


Last year Brentwood’s Kenneth Hammons wasn’t a father yet. This year he and wife Courtney packed up for a long road trip to Oklahoma to see his own dad and other family—with their two 5-year-old sons from Ethiopia that they adopted five months apart.

Courtney brought home first son Tariku’s best friend Teddy, who is deaf, from an African orphanage back in January. After joining the family last August, Tariku began moving things around in his room and closet to make space for Teddy to move in too – and Courtney and Kenneth got the hint and ended up granting his wish.

“It's like add water and instant family. It’s pretty quick,” Kenneth said by phone after crossing into Oklahoma yesterday, with three more hours left in the car. “It's been a lot of fun and a great learning process, going through it, taking on little Teddy here with him being deaf and special needs, and trying to learn sign language and trying to communicate with him and to develop that relationship better with him. That's been probably the biggest challenge.”

Teddy has grown leaps and bounds in a quick time while also trying to learn both the English language and more about sign language at the same time, Courtney said. Tariku, meanwhile, took a while to transition –bonding immediately with Kenneth but withholding hugs and having other behavioral issues with Courtney due to abandonment issues with women figures in his life.

“It has gotten phenomenally better. Teddy is far more emotional, he wears his heart on his sleeve, and parts of that are starting to carry over to Tariku. He’s starting to see that and see that it's OK,” she said. “We've got a long ways to go but we've come a really far ways.”

Mom says the new Dad had to be convinced to take on a second child, one with special needs, in so short of a time. Due to special circumstances (Teddy was adopted by another American family who decided not to return home with him), the Ethiopian courts moved up the adoption from the normal waiting period.

Also, last May both Kenneth and Courtney’s jobs were affected by the historic Nashville-area flooding, with him working for Gaylord Opryland hotel and her working as a wedding planner with a contract for all destination weddings at the resort. In addition to the exorbitant cost of two international adoptions, Courtney also had 60-something weddings moved or canceled when the hotel flooded and lost $20,000 in income.

“In looking back, he wouldn't have had it any other way,” Courtney said. “And he does everything for them and involves them in everything he does. He comes home from work earlier now because the boys are home, and by earlier I really just mean on time. He has stopped working with me as much, so Saturdays are really his days with the boys, so he hangs with them, whatever they do.”

Last weekend Kenneth and his new sons had a campout at a friend’s house “just trying to expose them to all things boys, things I'm not going to expose them to. I am not camping in June,” Courtney said.

Kenneth is generally off on the weekends, which helps out a lot especially during Courtney’s wedding events.

“It’s really good, to know that they’re having that time with Dad,” Courtney said. “He puts them to bed every night. I go in and say good night, but he reads them both a book and puts them to bed. It's great that they have that opportunity, because they didn’t before.”

It was a difficult time during Courtney’s busy bridal season in May, after the boys were out of preschool at Brentwood Baptist’s Youth Christians School. “There were like three weeks like, ‘Oh my gosh, what do I do with them? Hello, it's May, when everyone gets married,” she said.

But now both Teddy and Tariku are attending the eight-week Camp Summer Sign, a 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday sign language program at Brentwood Baptist’s Deaf Church.

The Hammons, who had joined Brentwood Baptist Church the year before adopting, hadn’t been aware of the deaf congregation or other great services for the hearing-impaired offered in Williamson County. Gate Communications of Franklin has given them sign language interpreters and teachers whenever needed, they said.

“It’s amazing … to see how far Teddy’s come and how incredibly welcoming the community of Brentwood has been to not only him but our story and such,” Courtney said. “The deaf church at Brentwood Baptist has gone above and beyond to help us.”

She was also thankful that the church’s preschool also allowed Teddy to join in mid-year, primarily to help with socialization. Tariku could have gone to kindergarten last fall, but went to preschool to help with language skills.

While Teddy and Tariku are currently working on sign language at Camp Summer Sign, the Hammons also have taken in two church interns this summer who are missionaries.

“At night whenever they got done, they stay with us and they help us with sign language throughout the evening,” Kenneth said. “We don't want the boys to speed past us too much. They’re going to learn way faster than we are.”

The new brothers also played on Williamson County rec soccer teams this spring, and coaches learned how to communicate with Teddy by getting in his sight lines. “His team never knew that he was deaf,” Courtney said. “He was just another little boy out there kicking the soccer ball.”

When Courtney brought Teddy home from Ethiopia after New Year’s, a welcoming party greeted them at the airport—led by Tariku and Kenneth.
“As soon as Mommy and Teddy come walking up the aisle, Tariku ran right over there to give him a great big hug. And then they just picked up right where they left off,” Kenneth said.

“Honestly, at the end of the day, they really needed each other,” Courtney said. They balance each other phenomenally.”

Several of Kenneth’s family members haven’t met both boys yet, especially Teddy, so that’s part of the reason to be on the road this week.
“It's exciting. It'll be the first Father's Day with the whole family. I'm just pretty proud and excited to spend that time with the wife and the two boys, and then to see some of my family meet the boys for the first time,” he said.

“It means a lot that the family, just kind of everybody coming together. It’s not really Father's Day—it’s everybody, it’s the family thing.”

But during the long family road trip, there hadn’t been any “Are we there yet” comments—just two 5-year-olds looking out the window at the sights. “We’re just so lucky that they don't ask that question,” Kenneth joked.

Asked what he might have learned from or appreciated about his own dad after being a father, he said: “You just never know what's going to come your way. He was just always the type of guy that kind of rolls with just whatever came along. And I think that’s kind of what helped me most."

"You never know what kids are doing to do or what they’re going to say. So you just kind of have to learn to adapt and go with it. Then everybody kinds of learns from it and they grow stronger with one another.”]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/07-12/dad-enjoys-first-fathers-day-with-new-5-year-old-sons http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/07-12/dad-enjoys-first-fathers-day-with-new-5-year-old-sons Carla* is a missionary with Youth With a Mission (YWAM). Currently, she's traveling all over Asia. Below is an update from her on the mission field. To stay up-to-date, follow her journey on her blog.

Warmest greetings to you!

I wrote this on an overnight train as we travel from Vientienne, Laos back to Bangkok, Thailand. We were in Bangkok Thailand for just a few days, and then we took a plane to Calcutta, India on the July 9.

I'm reflecting on how intimidated I was by Bangkok when we were there in May, and how much more comfortable I've become in the city. Being able to re-experience things after a time of change often proves to be an insightful marker for self growth.

Truly, truly, from the deepest part of my heart, thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your encouragement and support. And thank you for journeying with me. I count myself so terrifically blessed through these relationships. I'm delighted and consider myself privileged to hear what God is doing in your lives—the sharing is wonderful. Your prayers are powerful; the team and I treasure them.

Before we went to Laos, there was a budding desire to walk in more of godly expectancy and to throw away self-expectations. Anticipating and expecting God to show up in ways that perhaps we couldn't anticipate. The idea sounds simple, but isn't easy! Sometimes this is talking to the person beside you instead of listening to your iPod, or buying a cup of coffee for someone, or just listening, or... I could go on and on!

I've delighted in walking into divine meetings, been privileged to see what persecution for your faith can and does look like, and had an opportunity to be a rice planter all in these past two weeks.

My white v-neck tee shirts become progressively darker and dingier shades of grey with every country I walk in and through. I hurriedly wash my clothing by hand at the end of a shower. I'm amazed as these articles of clothing stretch out and become larger with every cleaning! Like my clothing, my heart is being stretched too—with all these new experiences and cultures. Things never turn out exactly as I anticipate, and I'm learning that it's better that way—even if the difference seems less attractive initially.

We attended several gatherings with Lao people and inquired about their pasts. ALL had served time in prison for their faith. Their faith is mature in ways that I don't think mine will ever be. They're passionate and bold in such a gentle way. The villages we visited all had similar stories of persecution and staying the course.

Truly blessed are the poor. The first village we stopped at had a small building that looked unfinished (or like an old barn back in Tennessee). Cracks allowed wind, weather, and bugs through. The cross stood in a prominent position in the center of the back wall. No chairs. Mats on the ground to sit on. No electricity, wells, toilets, or schools. Poverty. Deep faith. Big love.

A few of the villages were a little more advanced at each of the three stops, but all were a far cry from even the simplest church building in the U.S. But, you know what I've learned? A building is a building. The church is made up of an organic, changing, shifting, and growing body of brother and sisters all over the world.

Each one of us on our team is wrestling with what it means to respond to the things that we saw in the village. The impulsive side of me, wants to reconcile the things I've seen (poverty, farming, scarcity) and the person I am by giving away all I have to go live in a grass hut without electricity or running water.

Then, there's the part of me that anticipates this wildly-responsive-and-completely-extreme-jump-to-conclusions-aspect of my personality and helps me give pause to my response. I don't believe this is the response that most resonates with what God is doing in my heart.

I can't change who I am. God knows I've tried (and continue to try) in my own strength—and it never works on my own. I can't, but He can. He can change my heart, and He's faithful in doing that. I'll never be able to change the circumstances that I've grown up in, my culture or life experiences I've had so far, but new experiences can shape new thoughts. And God can always inspire new burdens and passions.

As foreigners, we're not permitted to stay with locals. But we got to help a Lao man's family with planting rice. We began with a big and tasty lunch, received rice planting lessons, and set to work planting these fields of rice. We weren't fast, by any means, but our hearts were into the task at hand.

The Lao people (and this is humbling to me) were encouraged that we would come so far and be willing to do this labor; not because of what we said, but more because of our joy and willingness to be a part of planting. I think, for many, it was the first time they'd ever seen a "falong" (foreigner) plant rice in a field.

We planted for about twelve hours over a course of 2½ days—bent over, barefoot in the mud, poking 3-4 rice stalks into the mud in a grid-like design. I saw some snakes, touched one that had been caught (it felt like a hotdog), got bitten by ants, and giggled about a lot of noises made when we walked through the mud. It was AWESOME.

Then we ate dinner. I was told by our host (teasingly, I think) that if I continued eating the amount of rice I was consuming, then I would become like our contact, who's a larger Lao person. Note taken. No more rice. Gah. But to be polite, we were told to eat all the rice on our plates. To eat the rice or not to eat the rice? More cultural questions that you just smile your way through!

How can you pray?

• We're about to begin transitioning into our fourth and last outreach country: India. Please pray for continued focus on God, renewed energy, and transition into a new culture.
• Pray for continued health. Big praise that we're all doing so well with just a few digestion issues throughout the team.
• Pray for divine appointments, boldness in Christ, and stepping out.
• Pray for God's guidance for next steps.
• And please pray for the Lao people: wisdom, favor, and God's provision.

Big hugs, love, and blessings to you from Thailand!
Carla

*Name withheld for security purposes.]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/07-11/missionary-update-carla-in-thailand http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/07-11/missionary-update-carla-in-thailand
By Amy Hill

Finding out I was pregnant was somewhat of a shock. We hadn’t planned to have another baby. My husband, Nick, was traveling with his job and I had just taken a new position with the church. But, God saw fit to bless us with a third child.

I was classified as pre-term labor in my first trimester. At 20 weeks, we had a routine ultrasound that identified I had a low-lying placenta and a single artery umbilical cord. We were told they would have to follow me closely to make sure our baby girl grew on schedule.

At 23 weeks, after a lot of contractions, I found myself having another ultrasound. The next day, my OB called and told me they had identified a problem with Emma’s heart and we needed to have an echocardiogram.

On September 16, 2010, at 27 weeks, we saw the pediatric cardiologist and had the first of many echocardiograms. The cardiologist told us our baby had a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot. This is a condition of four abnormalities in the heart:
1. A hole in the septum that divides the right and left ventricle,
2. The aorta connects to the heart in the wrong place, not allowing the hole to grow together on its own,
3. The right ventricle wall thickens,
4. And there’s a narrowing in the pulmonary valve.

The cardiologist said Emma would need surgery sometime within the first three months of her life. We asked her if there was any chance this would heal without surgery and she said, “I’m not going to say that it can’t happen because I believe that God can do anything, but in my almost 30 years of practice I’ve never seen a condition like this heal on its own.”

So we started praying. Nick prayed for complete and total healing. I prayed for God to take care of her and for her to be OK. We shared with our family, friends, and church family, and they all joined us in prayer. The amount of faithful prayer that poured out for our sweet Emma was overwhelming!

Three weeks later, at 30 weeks, we had another echo with the same results. Again, we were told she would need surgery very soon after birth. We continued to pray.

A week later, at 31 weeks, I went into labor. They put me in the hospital for a week on magnesium sulfate, a medicine that helps stop labor. My OB decided to have another echo done in the hospital.

A group from the maternal-fetal medicine department came in to do the echo. They had read the reports from our cardiologist and knew they were looking for Tetralogy of Fallot. After a while, the doctor said, “I’m sorry, but I don’t see anything wrong.”

Nick was looking at the screen and he looked at me and shook his head no and mouthed that he didn’t see anything. The doctor said, “This is a beautiful heart.”

The next day another team came in to check again, and again they said, “This is a perfectly healthy heart.” So, we asked for our cardiologist to come check for herself. She looked at the monitor and looked at us and said, “I don’t see anything wrong.”

She started to apologize and said she knew she saw the blood flowing through the hole just a week earlier. Nick stopped her and said, “It's OK if you want to call it a miracle, because that’s what it is.” And tears started flowing down her cheeks.

We were elated! We couldn’t wait to tell everyone who had joined us in prayer that God had given Emma a new heart. The aorta was in a different place, the hole was gone, and the thickening in the ventricle wall was gone. It was a completely different heart. God had performed an unbelievable miracle for our little girl!

Still rejoicing about this wonderful gift, we waited through the next few weeks. I was on total bed rest and we needed a lot of help. But, we knew that God had healed Emma and we just needed to make it five more weeks.

On November 28, 2010, three weeks before my due date, I went into labor. I knew almost immediately that something seemed wrong. The pain was so intense and never subsided between contractions. By the time we got to the hospital, my blood pressure was dangerously elevated due to the pain and they had to get it back down. They gave me an epidural and let me labor through the night.

At 6:00 a.m. the next morning, my OB came in to break my water and saw a lot of blood in the amniotic fluid. They lost Emma’s heartbeat immediately. He started calling for help, saying we’d had an abruption and people started flooding the room.

Nick, who’d just fallen asleep, was awakened by the confusion. Within seconds, they were wheeling my bed out to the OR for an emergency Cesarean Section. There wasn’t any time for them to explain to Nick. I took one last look at him as they wheeled me out of the room.

They put me under general anesthesia for the C-section to get Emma out as soon as possible. Emma and I both started bleeding out immediately when he broke my water, so she wasn’t breathing and had no heartbeat when they got her out.

For 15 minutes they performed CPR on her before her heart started to beat on its own. The doctor later told us they wouldn’t have worked on her any longer. After CPR, they listening one last time when he heard her heart beat.

Due to the lack of oxygen to her brain for such a long time, there was a great danger of swelling in the brain and ultimately severe brain damage. So, within the hour, they transported her within the hour to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital where she was put on head cooling for 72 hours. This treatment, which is fairly new and only works in 20 percent of cases, keeps the body temperature extremely low to keep the brain from swelling.

Later, we found out that most of our doctors expected Emma to either not make it or suffer severe brain damage. In fact, most children who suffer a brain insult like hers either don’t survive the initial trauma or don’t survive past the first week. Of the ones who do, a large percentage suffer debilitating disabilities.

For nine days, Emma was in the NICU before she was able to come home with us. Today, she’s six months old and perfectly normal. God performed another unbelievable miracle for Emma! Every doctor or specialist she sees is shocked and bewildered by her medical history and perfectly normal development. Many of them call her the “Miracle Baby.”

There’s no medical explanation for how she has survived so much in her young life, but we know without a doubt that God is big and there’s nothing He can’t do. He’s in control of every situation and He answers prayers. He’s a God of miracles and healing.

We thank him every day for Emma’s gifts. He gave her life in my womb and a new heart when her heart was broken. And when circumstances beyond our control took her life from us, He gave her life again.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/07-08/emmas-story-god-heals-the-miracle-baby http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/07-08/emmas-story-god-heals-the-miracle-baby Community gardens aren't new to the global population. But churches in America are now starting to pick up on the age-old trend and using it as a form of ministry to those where they live, work, and play. Brentwood Baptist has recently jumped on board that train.

Nearly two years ago, the process started here. Dr. Gerald Stow and his fellow Trustees were looking to put the 16 unused acres behind the church to good use. Ideas came and went among the group, but nothing seemed to stick.

"When the economy took a turn down, I was involved in Kairos as a counselor," he said. "Some of our people were losing homes and jobs and we wanted to find some way to help them. Personally, I'd grown a big garden. One night, I brought a box full of cucumbers to the Kairos meeting and put it on the table. By the end of the meeting, they were all gone."

That's when the idea hit him. If that type of ministry worked at Kairos, a community garden out back could work for others. "We thought, 'While we were trying to decide what to do with that land, why not let members of our church use it to develop gardens?'" he said. "They could give the produce to others who need it."

About the same time, an article came out in The Tennessean that featured the influx of community gardens in Nashville and one particular organization willing to help them get started—including faith-based organizations. Dr. Stow applied and was awarded a small grant to get Brentwood Baptist's up and running.

Early this year, with the approval of our Trustees and support of our Missions Ministry, Gerald set out to open up 60 garden plots directly behind the church. He said, "A small group of people helped us get started. We found someone to break up the ground. Someone made all the stakes. I got some men out of my Bible study group to stake it off. And someone else gave our church a tiller to plow up the ground."

Developing cancer and subsequently having to go through treatment, Gerald passed the reins on to Oscar Simmons, a retired Colonel from the Army who stepped up to oversee the project. Alongside Charles Mashburn, who mows the property, tills the soil, and assists other gardeners, he stays in communication with the gardeners and handles the logistics.

Currently, 40 of the plots are being utilized, with three of those being maintained by the Nurture Team to grow flowers for their ministry. All types of vegetables are being grown and harvested: cucumbers, squash, okra, peas, tomatoes, peppers, radishes, corn, and more. And gardeners are passing along the abundance of produce to Set Free Nashville, Tennessee Baptist Children's Home, and other local ministries.

"Recently, I picked about 118 pounds of squash from the garden," Charles said. "I passed it out to widows at their recent banquet, my neighbors, people in my Sunday school class, and others who need it when I come across their paths."

Specifically, Charles has found a way to minister to those who attend Kairos this way. He said, "My first thought was that they eat Lean Cuisines and pizza all the time and wouldn't need vegetables. But I met a girl at Kairos the other night who said she cooks a lot and would like some squash, so I dropped some off at the Welcome Center in the Atrium for her. I was told she picked it up and was tickled to death about it."

Initially, he first became interested in helping in this project because of his 23-year-old granddaughter. He said, "She's been planting peppers in pots at her home, but I told her she needed a plot to really learn how to garden. I saw this as my opportunity to teach her how to till the ground, plant the seed, harvest the produce, and cook it. It's been a real blessing to do that with her and also give it away to other people who need it."

At the start of the project, the fertile soil on the 16 acres was ready and waiting for gardeners to plant. And, even though people questioned how they would be able to water their produce in the hot summer months, God has provided through a consistent stream of of rain showers.

To participate, you don't have to be an expert gardener. According to Charles, he's willing to help anyone just starting out. He said, "Several of us out there already have gardening experience, and we'd be glad to help anyone who wants to be a part of this ministry with tilling, pulling weeds, fertilizing, and watering."

Story by Kaylan Christopher, Staff Writer

For more information on how you can sign up for a garden plot and start planting, contact Dora Pop, Missions Ministry Assistant, at 324.6165 or e-mail her.]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/07-08/community-garden-harvests-food-for-ministries-those-in-need-and-others http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/07-08/community-garden-harvests-food-for-ministries-those-in-need-and-others They'll be roaming the halls of Brentwood Baptist, hanging out with our students, and jumping in to all the summer activities going on: mission journeys, summer camp, Bible studies, social opportunities, and building relationships.

Linc Taylor, Student Minister, said, "We have an amazing team of six college students who will be with us through the first week of August. They are either former students in our Student Ministry or current LIFE Group leaders. All have surrendered to full-time vocational ministry or are strongly considering it. They're ready to reach and impact students and their families."

Harrison Hall
From: Brentwood, Tennessee
Home Church: Brentwood Baptist
College: Currently attending Auburn University

"I've been a member at Brentwood Baptist since my eighth grade year. Having a place where I could be honest with my peers and, most importantly, with myself is what I loved most about my Student Ministry. I took away an appreciation for every one of the youth ministers and volunteers who invested their time in my life.

I applied to be an intern because I felt called to give back to the Student Ministry. It was a key factor in my growth and pursuit of the Lord. I feel called to a ministry with youth or in the medical field, possible a combination of both. This summer, I look forward mostly to spending time with the kids and sharing with them my love for Christ and my love for the youth group."

Josh Shelley
From: Lived in Fort Worth, Texas and Athens, Georgia before moving to Brentwood in 7th grade
Home Church: Brentwood Baptist
College: Currently a sophomore at Union University

"Our Student Ministry is awesome! I feel like it has to be one of the strongest around. Of course, I loved all the camps and skate nights and fun things like that, but the unique thing about this Student Ministry are the opportunities that Linc, Amy-Jo, and Chris have created for students to lead. I had many chances to experience servant-leadership at camps, mission trips, and on Sunday mornings. Learning that Christian leaders are not necessarily people that are loud or out in front all the time was one major lesson for me. Humility became something I longed for, realizing that it can only come from God.

I applied for the internship because of a couple reasons: 1) I had experienced so much of God’s love while I was a student that I wanted to be a part of helping other students experience it, and 2) I've felt God calling me toward Himself into full-time ministry. I thought this would be a great opportunity to see what that would be like!

There are a ton of things to be excited for this summer! I’m excited about the incredible times that will happen at beach camp, Mission 615, Chicago mission journey, and skate night, but I'm most looking forward to the times that I'll be able to spend with students talking candidly about God, His love, and life!"

Lona Bailey
From: Manchester, Tennessee
Home Church: Trinity Baptist Church
College: Currently a senior at Middle Tennessee State University

"My husband, Chris, and I now live in Murfreesboro and have both attended Brentwood Baptist for the past two years. As a LIFE Group leader in our Student Ministry, I've loved watching the creative ways God introduces Himself into the lives of students and changes their hearts. Being involved in students' lives challenges me to lean in closer to God every day.

I applied to be an intern with Brentwood Baptist because it seems like the perfect opportunity to gain experience for my future calling, which I believe to be in ministry. I hope to go on to seminary for my masters in Christian Education and Women's Leadership after graduating MTSU next may.

This summer, I'm most looking forward to watching what God will do through this team and how He plans to impact the community of students at Brentwood Baptist. It's such a privilege to watch God at work!"

Michael Vicary
From: Born in Oklahoma City; Lived in Brentwood since age two
Home Church: Brentwood Baptist
College: Currently a junior at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville

"I grew up very involved in Brentwood Baptist and went to all the VBS weeks and camps I could go to. I loved the community I was surrounded by in the Brentwood Baptist Student Ministry. The leaders and students had such a strong passion for following Christ and making Him known. I learned what it meant to pursue a growing relationship with Jesus that affected all those I came in contact with.

I applied to be an intern because I wanted an opportunity to pour into the lives of kids the things I've learned—what it means to follow Jesus—and experience the joy of seeing God transform the lives of students. For a long time, I've felt called to ministry and I'm considering working with high school students through YoungLife.

The thing I'm most looking forward to this summer is seeing high school students as they're transformed by an encounter with Jesus—in camp settings, in Bible studies, and in simple conversations. I'm excited to see how God works through the interns and Student Ministry staff to show His great love to the students here."

Pat Cantrell
From: Nashville/Brentwood area
Home Church: First Baptist Nashville, then Brentwood Baptist (at 8 years old)
College: Currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville

"I loved the community growing up here. Everyone talks about Brentwood Baptist being a church that has too many people to have that small church feeling. I disagree. There are so many ministries to get involved in here—with the Student Ministry being one of them. I loved LIFE Groups—how we got to know each other through the years and develop those relationships and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Growing up in this youth group, I had lots of people mold me into the man I am today. I don't know what or who I would've been today without these people in my life. I wanted to be a student intern to return the favor, invest in the lives of students, and be a positive influence and role model for them. I'd love to work with students in some capacity in the upcoming years. I'm going to finish school, get my degree, and then, hopefully, go to seminary to work with high school or college students, if that's still God's plan for me.

"This summer, I can't wait to just start developing those friendships with the students to invest time in their lives so they know what a man of God looks like and how we're supposed to live our lives in the church, at school, in our communities, and when no one else is looking."

Victoria McKee
From: Nashville/Brentwood area
Home Church: Tusculum Hills Baptist until age 16, then Brentwood Baptist
College: Currently a sophomore at Middle Tennessee State University

"I began coming to Brentwood Baptist with some friends from school, and I attend Kairos on Tuesday nights. I've not been at Brentwood Baptist for about a year and a half. My family is now attending here because they saw how important and great it was for me. This past year, I co-led a LIFE Group for 8th grade girls and it was a great eye-opener for the summer ahead.

As I grew up in the youth group, I always enjoyed how the leader interacted with the students and how they made such a great impact on our lives. Now, entering into this internship, I pray that I can do the same for students here. I hope to become a pediatric nurse, because working with kids and students is my passion. I knew working as an intern this summer would be a great opportunity to see how being in the ministry works and helping students who don't know Christ make that important decision to follow Him.

I'm looking forward to working with the other interns and the youth ministers to see how God works in and through our lives, and the students' lives, this summer. I'm excited to see what this summer has in store and how God is going to move!"]]> Thu, 23 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/06-23/introducing-our-2011-student-ministry-summer-interns http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/06-23/introducing-our-2011-student-ministry-summer-interns Story by Lynn McLeod

It wasn’t simply 50 years in the making, but rather it was 350 years as seven couples were honored for being long-standing examples of love and faithfulness to each other and the Lord. Brentwood Baptist Church congratulated them with the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Marriage called “Seasons of Love” on Thursday, June 16. As one walked into Hudson Hall it was evident, much like their marriages, that the momentum had begun long before the doors opened for the evening.

Arranged for everyone to enjoy, but for the couples to later have as souvenirs, were tabletop books individually prepared with pictures gathered to depict each of their life and times together. Imagine all those years of your favorite photo pulled together to say one thing: 50 years have gone by in a flash!

The energy and atmosphere of the evening was light hearted as well-wishers gathered around well-appointed tables decorated with fresh flowers graciously and beautifully donated by Judy Campbell. Several folks gathered here and there to reminisce about stories they knew of their friends and to greet or congratulate the honored guests. The stage was quaintly set for the after-dinner performance of “I Do, I Do” by The Young Hearts Theatre. All the while, a younger crowd from Kairos scurried about to put the last minute details on serving dinner.

To become acquainted with the couples, each guest was given a program that included a short bio including stories unique to the lives of the honorees. Glenn Stophet began the program by welcoming everyone and introducing Annette Pryce, who followed by reading a short antidote unique to each couple.

Pastor Mike Glenn, who’s been married 31 years, spoke a few words, naturally sprinkled with a couple laughs. On the more serious side, he said, “Something about being together that long teaches us about Christ that no one can tear apart.” He spoke of how it reminded us it is possible even when culture all around us tells us it is not—and how important it was to those watching.

In particular, young people from Kairos considered men and women in long-term marriages “rock stars” because, in some cases, they were the only example of hope they had. It was a “if they can do it, so can I” mentality. Those same onlookers served dinner as many Kairos volunteers were enthusiastically celebrating hope.

Beyond the books, programs, or antidotes, the couples each brought a vibrant, cheerful perspective they shared on the 50 years they’d spent together:

Larry & Sharon Duncan
This couple, who’ll be reaching the 50-year mile marker on December 23, spoke fondly of being one the youngest in their peer group to hit this point. As friends will often do, they shared advice with Larry and Sharon by teasing them with a warning. The first 50 years were a snap, but it will be those between 51 and 55 that are killer.

Both Larry and Sharon laughed about the supposed upcoming obstacle by passing on sage advice to those younger. Larry said, “Marriage is not a fairytale or TV show with a happy ending. It takes hard work and unlimited commitment from both parties. Perpetual compromise is essential.” Sharon added, “Ask yourself: would I rather be right or be happy?” Together they shared to keep your relationship Christ centered, keep your friends, and keep your sense of humor.

David & Ann Emery
It didn’t take David and Ann 50 years to visit every state in the United States. When it came time to decide where their next adventure would be, they simply looked at where they hadn’t been. Not surprising. This is the same approach they each took when meeting quite by happenstance at a bowling alley in January of 1961. She was scoring an unexpected strike and he was working part-time. With both of their father’s working on the same floor of the federal building, it was obvious family would be an important part of their lives together.

Not only have they traveled in the last half-century, but they’ve raised two children who now are parents. Their beliefs have grown as their family has with them, sharing the greatest lessons God has taught them: to be faithful to their vows, always put God first, and trust and depend on Him for everything. With this comes advice for young people to trust in God for all life’s decisions and remember there will be times when things aren’t perfect. When those difficult times come, it’s wise to seek help from a Christian counselor.

Ron & Jaynell Songstad
Ron and Jaynell are looking forward to September 30 as their next wedding anniversary. As a family with three boys accompanied now with three wives, the Songstads find humor is rarely far away. As their favorite performer, Elvis Presley, played in the background and much-loved photos were shown on the overhead screens, they laughed about the time Ron went swimming at an IBM conference in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The waves became so boisterous he was tumbled about in the water leaving his contacts fuzzy as he stood up. Jaynell tried to get his attention as he rubbed his eyes, but laughter kept her from succeeding as Ron stood there with his swimsuit around his knees. To this day, they’re thankful to God they were far from home when Ron lost his shorts!

With experience like that, how can anyone pass on the advice they share? “Attend Christian marriage seminars, pray together and for each other, laugh a lot, and ‘never let the sun go down on your wrath.’ Work through mole hills before they become mountains.” Together they hold 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 at the forefront of their marriage.

Al & Shirley Alston
This couple credits Pastor Mike Glenn with encouraging them from the pulpit with a sound, biblical vision of marriage for the last 10 years. As avid travelers, they return home often with memories and photographs they’ve taken of their adventures, including walking together on top of the Great Wall of China.

This 50-year path began when Al first saw Shirley at a local skating rink. Wasting no time, he contacted her father to ask permission to meet his daughter. It’s no wonder, when the young couple compared stories about their families, that they hit it off. Al had an ancestor that Thompson Lane was named after, and a grandfather with a plantation in Arrington. Shirley’s grandfather was a widower with eight children of his own who then took in two more to raise.

They both see the stories of their family tree as preparation for the path they walk today. Whether it’s on the Great Wall of China, or in and out of remission as Shirley battles cancer, they both have faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Al would share with you, “It’s times like these when it’s important to be patient, pray, and work together.” Now you know why Shirley thinks of Al as the love of her life.

George & Reba Greene
Instead of reminiscing about the night before their wedding 50 years earlier, George and Reba kicked off a six-day celebration first with those at the dinner and then with 22 of their friends and family. The next day was to be the golden anniversary they’d looked forward to with the same anticipation they’d so many years earlier as sweethearts.

Both began working at a very young age. George was at the 7-Eleven and Reba at the Dairy Dip, two stores right next to each other. George grew to know Reba as he now describes her “the most forgiving, loving person you’ll ever meet.” She’s the one, he’ll tell you, who’ll put together a group of 60 friends to meet at Sperry’s and make it look easy.

They also have fond memories of Burt Reynolds and the WW Dixie Dance Kings. What would they tell someone starting out? “Find a church home, choose your friends carefully, believe in each other, work hard, have patience, hold on to your faith, and remember God will be right there for you and with you.”

Tommy & Memorie Robertson
Be careful going to Tommy and Memorie’s home. Undoubtedly, the furniture has been moved by Memorie, who’s an avid decorator. At one point, she painted the cabinets black and it took Tommy two weeks to notice. However, he did notice (and got a big kick out of) how, she had pictures strewn all about the house in preparation for this evening—in the typical way she jumps into any project.

Meeting while they worked together at KTHV-TV in Little Rock, Arkansas, Memorie thought she would be able to discourage Tommy from following her around by asking him on a date. Little did she know he had other plans. Those plans not only included falling in love, but also amassing a portfolio of stories about fishing hooks, fabric, ladders, and a life of 50 years of marriage. One of those stories started on their honeymoon when they found the “Bridal Suite” in Hot Springs, Arkansas, arranged by their parents, had twin beds. It took little time for them to borrow gas money from Grandmother Robertson to get home and begin their married life.

Together they balanced successful professional careers, children, relaxations, and recreation with being loyal to their vows of faith that’s been centered on strong biblical foundations and a relationship with Jesus Christ. “Marriage” they’ll tell you, “is a lifetime journey with many stages, seasons, and surprises. Learn and grow in patience, perseverance, and unconditional love. Jesus is there in good times and bad—and He’s always faithful to show you the way.”

Andy & Norma Dodson
In response to hearing that the years between 51 and 55 could be the most challenging, Andy and Norma wholeheartedly challenged back: “The next 50 years will be better than ever! Aging has been very good for us. We’re more alive then we have ever been.”

As an enthusiastic couple, one might think they had a smooth ride. However, it’s been in their challenges that they’ve found the enthusiasm they’re confident in now. Being Christians, exhibiting a commitment to God and each other, gives them the inspiration to say, “We can’t wait for what the future has to bring.”

Falling in love at first sight on January 15, 1961, they began a whirlwind romance that included engagement on February 13 and marriage vows on April 2 of the same year. It’s evident that God was working in their lives. The challenges ahead have led them to the 50-year mark with an optimism and faith in God, which has been proven a winning combination. They believe that renewing your marriage covenant from to time is an important part of a long lasting union. For young couples, they advise to seek outside help with a trained Christian counselor when difficulties arise and face marriage with such seriousness that divorce is not an option.

The entire Marriage Celebration Team, including Shelley Jamison, Gail Owens, Annette Pryce, Sandy Robinett, Jackie Stophel, and Patti Taylor, and led by Betty Stewart, fashioned a model of how giftedness and expertise can produce a living picture of the body of Christ. With husbands joining in with the manpower or muscle, and the volunteers from Kairos staying to the very end for cleanup, not only gave glory to God but further examples that each of the couples shared in their wisdom. It was another instance of God’s mighty, powerful, and unfathomable love for us and the work He’s done in the lives of seven couples.]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/06-22/seasons-of-love-couples-celebrating-50-years-of-marriage-are-honored http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/06-22/seasons-of-love-couples-celebrating-50-years-of-marriage-are-honored Story by Forrest Smith

It's a little past nine in the morning at Brentwood Baptist Church, and the hive down at the Children’s Ministry is beginning to buzz. Parents are dropping off kids of all ages—some who don't wish to be parted and others who are breaking away from their parents as fast as the can to get to their class.

Across this landscape, full of movement and excitement, you might be surprised to find a 20-something First Lieutenant of the U.S. Army. That's Dave Jeffrey. He and his fiancée, Lauren, are just arriving from the 8:00 a.m. service in Hudson Hall, but Dave has been here since 7:30 a.m. getting the classroom ready for his first graders. What's more striking about Dave’s involvement at Brentwood Baptist is that he's stationed at Fort Campbell an hour away. 

Two years ago, Dave was invited by a friend to come down to Franklin for a Friday night Bible study called 41, which was led by Brian Ball, a Brentwood Baptist member. Dave had been looking for a good church where he could get plugged in, but this was an hour away. After praying about it, he decided to make the trek. It turned out to be one of those little decisions that end up changing your life.

He started coming to Kairos as well as a Brentwood Baptist Sunday morning service. After a couple of weeks, he was making the hour trek back and forth from Fort Campbell twice a week. It was during a Sunday morning service where Dave heard about a need in the Children's Ministry. Dave is, of course, no stranger to answering the call. It's somewhat of an occupational hazard in the army, but he also felt a deep desire to serve the kingdom of God. That he didn't ease his way into ministry is a testament to the kind of guy Dave is.

Though he'd spent a lot of time with children and always had a blast with them, the opportunity to teach and minister to children presented a challenge and change of pace from his life in the army. But it's now a welcome change that gives him the chance to be himself, relate well with the children, and develop relationships with them.

His first assignment put him into a small group of people who were teaching fourth graders. The goal was to be led by someone with experience in the Children’s Ministry. But as divine providence and humor would have it, every person in the group was a rookie. Dave fell, quite naturally, into somewhat of a leadership role for that group.

Adopted into a family as a child, Dave has always felt very blessed to be grafted into a family full of love and encouragement. There was a deep sense of belonging, a feeling that was also very present with Dave’s early experiences as a Christian with the church. He said, "I want to create the same kind of environment for those children, and I hope to show this same type of unconditional love for the children I get to interact with."

Through his service in the Children's Ministry, the major lesson Dave has learned is how God moves in and through the life of a faithful follower. His desire to get plugged into a community of faith and his willingness to serve were used intricately by God to bring Dave to this church family. He feels blessed in ways he could've never imagined with a community of faith and friends, not to mention his fiancee, whom he met at Brentwood Baptist.

Dave now works with the first graders and is also on the Sunday School Curriculum Evaluation Team, which looks at the different curriculum that's out there to make sure Brentwood Baptist is providing our children with the best possible material. In addition to his service to the Children's Ministry, he also leads the 41 Bible Study. His goal is to finish a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University and plant a church.

For Dave, the best part of working in the Children’s Ministry is experiencing those moments when a child “gets it” and the light bulb goes off because of a part of Scripture he's taught them. His role requires dedication and sacrifice, but it hardly compares to the joy he finds in impacting the lives of children for the kingdom of heaven.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/06-10/20-something-army-lieutenant-leads-kids-life-group http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/06-10/20-something-army-lieutenant-leads-kids-life-group By Lynn McLeod

Many of the people drawn to Kairos weren’t even born before the longest-running game show in primetime network television history, What’s My Line?, was cancelled from syndication in 1975. As a refresher for those who may not be taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane right now, it was a game show where celebrity panelists guessed at the occupation of an anonymous guest by asking questions in hopes they could successfully discover their identity.

That show is remembered by one married couple of 31 years, who’s spent four of them serving at Kairos. But much like the game show guests, they have a sense of anonymity because their humble nature and God-centered perspective doesn’t put them on the celebrity panel or in the limelight.

The passion one hears when speaking to them belies worldly expectations as they’ve served together almost from the beginning of Kairos. They watched the attendance grow from 30 in Wilson Hall to an admitted 1,200 now in Hudson Hall on Tuesday evenings.

As they mentioned, this number is replenished each week as God continues to bring new faces to fellowship, worship, and grow. While we may ask who this couple is, they would say the real question is this: how did God begin, flourish, and maintain this passion in them?

Initially, God drew them to Brentwood Baptist through their high school daughter and older son. They wanted to find a church where they could each be fed spiritually as a family. On the advice of friends Aubrey and Betty Stewart, they met with Cathy Patterson, Kairos Minister, who encouraged them to become a part of the team. It suited them well.

Because of personal life experiences when they were younger, they already had a heart for college- and career-aged young adults who may be easily overlooked at a time when they might be vulnerable to running from God. They found the same heart in Pastor Mike Glenn as he taught, speaking in truth and love rather than tiptoeing around subjects. It was a language and knowledge they saw many enthusiastically thirst for as they boldly faced following Christ.

While initially filling in wherever they could, beginning with what they affectionately refer to as “grunt work,” they soon quickly grew into blessing of richness. They watched the young adults eagerly socialize, learn, and make new friends as they lingered about before and after services. To their amazement, the Brashers met many who weren’t simply Brentwood Baptist members, but instead many of them came from other churches, denominations, and communities—some as far away as Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, and Columbia.

As Kairos grew, they also began to see a sprinkling of other ages ranging from high school up to those who were enjoying retirement. It was the diversity in God’s work that fueled their passion while replenishing their gifts. They’d served in other ministries previously, but this one was different. While it was laidback in its approach, it was also upbeat and encouraging in ways they hadn’t seen before.

The contemporary music, service, and refreshments all spoke to many young people attending who came out ready to encourage someone else. Others came out with tough questions to be answered. And still others came out with a new sense of belonging with the fellowship they had found. Yet, for others, purpose was discovered in serving and missions.

No one was rushed and the concept of time was suspended as connections were made—all in the name of Christ. Each night and each person was different, just as God intended.

Kairos gives to them, as it does those who attend, a loving place to worship with immediate acceptance where: they can feel free of embarrassment or intimidation by the outside world; friends exist who support and love each other; and God’s presence and will can be sought authentically for the glory of His kingdom.

As a couple, it’s rewarding for them to serve together side by side in the kingdom. They now see the future come to life through young adults in ways not available when they were the same age. Kairos has instilled a certain hope and optimism the world doesn’t share, particularly for a time when it’s so challenging to be a Christ follower.

Many times, through counseling at Kairos, they’ve been presented with tough questions. They actually were the ones blessed by the answer as they heard God’s message to them in the words spoken to others. They were able to give back for blessings they’d received even when they had fallen short of the glory of God.

In all of it, they were able to live out one of their favorite verses in the Bible. Matthew 5:16 says: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Who is this couple and what’s their line? They’re Bob and Mitzie Brasher.

Their message to anyone who may be interested in serving at Kairos is that they’re the ones who have gotten the bargain out of this deal. They encourage anyone who has a heart for helping to jump right in. Pull up a chair and talk with someone who has something to share. Smile and watch it turn into encouragement for someone who needs it. Pass your wisdom on to someone younger and watch it keep your own heart young.

If you cross paths with Bob or Mitzie, stop them and ask them, “What’s your line?” Then, you can hear the answer for yourself.]]> Mon, 06 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/06-06/ldquowhatrsquos-my-linerdquo-in-godrsquos-kingdom-for-kairos http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/06-06/ldquowhatrsquos-my-linerdquo-in-godrsquos-kingdom-for-kairos On Wednesday, April 27, tornadoes slammed the South, destroying homes and taking lives across four states. Alabama, our sister state to the south, suffered incredible damage, and cried out for help in the aftermath of the deadly storms.

For the past month, we've been dedicated to helping them pick up the pieces of their lives. Brentwood Baptist members have journeyed south to provide supplies, help in clean-up, remove debris, and give food to those in need.

As a result, we're sending six more teams to the Rainsville area in Dekalb County throughout the summer for weekday and weekend mission journeys:
• June 9-12
• June 23-26*
• July 14-17
• July 18-23 (for college students)
• July 28-31
• August 18-21
*This trip will focus specifically on helping with Freedom Fest, a community festival sponsored by a local church, that will draw close to 10,000 people.

In that county alone, 35 fatalities were reported, 250 homes were completely wiped out, more than 500 homes were destroyed enough to be deemed inhabitable and will soon be demolished, and 1,500 homes, including the local schools, sustained significant damage.

The city of Rainsville has a population of nearly 5,000. The per capita income for the city is just over $14,000 and 14.4% of the population live below the poverty level. Many residents, unwilling to leave, have pitched tents on their property to start from scratch and rebuild their lives. It's an area in desperate need of our help, so our work has just begun.

Each journey's focus will be different as the needs change and progress is made from clean-up to recovery to rebuilding over the summer months. So far, a team has gone with chainsaws in tow to remove debris, and two cargo vans full of tents, cleaning supplies, Gatorade, charcoal grills, and more have been sent.

This summer, Brentwood Baptist team members will join with First Baptist Church in Rainsville to form a task force. Teams will stay at the church where meals will also be provided. The cost to participate (per person) will total $30 plus carpooling and gas expenses to and from the affected area. Ages 10 and older are invited to help.

Amidst the tragedy, the gospel of hope and love through Christ is spreading.

Kim said, "One of the deputy sheriffs, through all of this, has been saved through the response and how he's seen others come to help. … Our opportunity here in Rainsville is that we can impact…a whole community and show them what the love of Christ looks like. They might expect it from their neighbors, but they may not from people in a different state who don't even know them. That's why we're going."

If you'd like to join a mission journey team to Rainsville, Alabama this summer, please click here to find out more information and sign up. An information meeting for the first journey will take place on Sunday, June 5 at 5:00 p.m.]]> Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/06-05/six-teams-travel-to-rainsville-alabama-this-summer-to-continue-disaster-relief http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/06-05/six-teams-travel-to-rainsville-alabama-this-summer-to-continue-disaster-relief This Easter, we had all the usual extra activity. On many other Sundays, and on pretty much all other Easters, by the time it was all said and done, I can recall being exhausted. And, more often than not, completely depressed.

It seems that, perhaps subconsciously, I'd always been in fighting mode. The dynamic for me on Easter was that I would hear the usual message about the resurrection, victory over sin and death. Since none of this had ever helped me be one bit more joyful on Monday morning, the next response would be depression.

Why couldn’t God give me something useful that made sense, something that would work? And that's how the day would end: with me in vile mood, rejected, furious, and hopeless.

Things have been quite a bit different recently. God has opened my eyes to special kindness shown to me, and the messages at our church have been encouraging. And, now, it's as if I'm bewildered. I'm used to certain sorts of internal conflicts, which have simply evaporated all of a sudden. I'm used to using a sword, and now it’s time to beat it into a plowshare.

Three interesting things happened in this Easter's message:
1. Pastor Glenn made a reference to our church policy: we love all people and accept all as being made in the image of God.

That was surprising to hear in a Baptist church on an Easter Sunday. It's very different from the traditional Easter message I always perceived in my youth, which was "condemned, sinful, unacceptable in God’s eyes.” Restored only because of the death of Jesus on the cross, how could I love a God who liked Jesus but didn’t like me? Unfortunately, that was the impression I got.

But to hear I was loved, intentionally and purposefully created in God’s image, sought out by Him to be drawn into fuller knowledge of Who He is and how He wants me to live—that sort of teaching gives hope on an Easter morning!

2. I've always found this story puzzling: the healing of the demon-possessed man at Gerasa. Jesus asked him his name, as our Pastor explained it, and the man responded with his state. He was tormented by so many different demands and identities that he didn’t know who he was, what to listen to, or where to turn. He was confused, just as I've been, and completely unable to resolve any of this confusion himself. But Jesus cared and gave that man the balance that was lacking in his life. Again, hope for a better future.

3. The most important thing Pastor Mike taught us this Easter Sunday was that death didn’t stop Jesus. After His crucifixion, Jesus came back and continued with what He'd always done—searching people out one at a time and telling them what they most needed to hear, revealing Himself, His truth, and His love to them.

Death had no power over Him. It didn't physically dominate Him, and the experience didn't change His love for people. His way had always been to love people and draw them to Himself and death did not change this at all.

The question posed at the end of the sermon was, “What do you need Jesus to do for you today? What in your life needs His touch?” It's question I intend to ask myself earnestly and often. Because with God, there's hope for resolution, fulfillment, and a better future.

I no longer see myself as left to my own devices to try to find my way in a world that so often doesn’t need me or want me or bless me. I see myself as the special object of the love of a God who will take care of me and make my life as a thing of beauty.

I thank all the people at Brentwood Baptist who have ministered to me, shown me Christ’s love in a way I can understand, and encouraged me to keep on journeying towards the life God has planned for me.]]> Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/06-03/my-story-ramona-tse http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/06-03/my-story-ramona-tse Cameron Powell, a 10-year-old in the fourth grade at Lighthouse Christian Academy in Antioch, recently proved you're never too young to be serious about your faith and add action to your belief.

Just this year, he started a Prayer Club at recess with several of his friends. His mom, Brandy, said, "Right after Christmas, they decided to meet once a week under the playground equipment. Everyone has an assigned responsibility: the president, vice president, someone who prays."

Cameron, the president of the fourth grade group, said, "I thought it would be neat to at least try it with my friends. We have a person who reads the Bible and we use a devotion book that we read Scripture from. We usually spend a few minutes praying for each other—like for one of my friend's dad or when I got hurt."

The Powell family—Robert, Brandy, Cameron, and Tate—have been attending Brentwood Baptist for a little more than a year. Each Sunday, Cameron's participates in Sunday school and has attended last summer's Vacation Bible School. And it came as no surprise to his parents, given his recent behavior, that he soon wanted to do something to help in the ministry of missions.

Sharon Fairchild, Mission Journey Coordinator for Brentwood Baptist, received him in the Parlor one Sunday morning. "He asked me what there was that he could do, so I told him we had three teams going to Brazil this summer and we needed help buying Bibles so we could give them out," she said.

With the permission of the administration at his school, Cameron took advantage of his school's "Jean Day Thursday" to raise money. Because they're required to wear the same uniforms every day, this luxury is unique for students. To participate, they're required to pay for the privilege and, in turn, help raise money for something that's important.

"Last year, they used the money from jean days to support the senior class mission trip. They haven't done any jean day fundraisers this year, but they let Cameron collect $2 a person at two different times—once at the end of April and another time at the beginning of May," his mom said.

Two months with no word went by after the first time Sharon met the dedicated 10-year-old who sought her out. You can imagine her surprise when, on Sunday, May 15, he showed up in the Parlor with his family to deliver a plastic bag containing $609.65 for the purchase of Portuguese Bibles.

"Cameron heard about the need and wanted to do something," Sharon said. "A lot of times, people think helping demands too much or it's too much trouble. But here you have a 10-year-old who went out of his way to be obedient. God called him to do something and he responded—he put feet to the calling. That can be an inspiration to all of us."]]> Mon, 16 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/05-16/10-year-old-cameron-powell-raises-money-to-purchase-portuguese-bibles-for-summer-mission-journeys http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/05-16/10-year-old-cameron-powell-raises-money-to-purchase-portuguese-bibles-for-summer-mission-journeys “You look yellow.” My wife Yolanda eyed me warily. I brushed aside her comment. I felt fine.

It was early January 2009 and I had just returned from a business trip. As a Microsoft consultant, it was normal for me to be home only on weekends. But the next three weekends she greeted me with the same concern: “You look strange, Brian. Something’s not right.”

To please her, I finally went to a mirror and studied my eyes and skin. There was something different about my coloring, but I hadn’t been to a doctor in years. One of my fellow deacons gave me the phone number of Pastor Mike Glenn's doctor, so I gave him a call. Graciously, he returned the call personally.

“You say you’re yellow. What else can you tell me?” he asked.

I did have a pain in my abdomen in December, which I'd assumed was food poisoning, so I mentioned that to him. He thought a minute and said, “I want you to go to the emergency room. There are only a few reasons why you might be yellow, and none of them are good.”

And with that conversation, my world turned upside down.

It wasn’t as though I hadn’t gone through challenges before. I came from a broken home and spent most of my teen years involved in the occult until God rescued me. Then, after He brought me my wonderful wife, we experienced a devastating financial setback and three heartbreaking miscarriages.

But in recent years, I’d reached success in my career. God had finally granted us a precious miracle son, and Yolanda was pregnant again with another healthy child. I was active in ministry as a deacon and heavily involved with the Deaf church. Life was filled with joy and blessings.

After a thorough screening in the emergency room, a CT scan revealed a mass in the region of my liver. A week later I had an appointment with a specialist, who turned out to be the Assistant Professor of Surgery at Vanderbilt. As we sat in his office, I tried to understand the strange medical terms I was hearing for the first time. It was only when the word “carcinoma” came up that I realized I had cancer.

I now know that my cancer was anything but ordinary. Cholangiocarcinoma is the most lethal form of cancer that exists. Very few people survive it and it's very difficult to treat. Besides being lethal, it hides itself. In most cases, by the time it’s discovered, the person is near death.

This form of cancer occurs in 1 in 172,000 people nationally—the majority of them being men. The average age of those diagnosed is 70, although sometimes it occurs in people in their 50s and 60s. I was 42 at the time. Immediate surgery was my only option. I was in grave danger.

The cancer was heavily involved with my liver. Fortunately, the liver is one of the few organs that can regenerate. The surgeons planned to remove approximately 50% of mine. They explained they could remove more if necessary, with 75% being the greatest and most dangerous amount possible.

Given the urgency of my condition, I was confused when the doctors requested that my surgery be postponed for several weeks. But the medical staff at Vanderbilt took my case very, very seriously and they wanted to give me nothing but their best. The delay would allow another even more experienced surgeon to operate on me as well.

March 23 was the first date when my doctor, the chief liver surgeon, and a number of other specialists would all be available at the same time. Honestly, I wasn’t worried. God had already proven Himself to be so faithful in my life. My greatest desire was that God would get glory through my circumstances and that someone would come to know Him in the process.

Also, there were many people in the church and outside of church who were praying with me. Even our pastor, Mike Glenn, told me in a personal e-mail, “I pray that your surgery will be boring to you and your doctors.”

Early on March 23, Yolanda and I dropped our two-year-old son Ethan off at our friends' house and headed to the hospital. When we arrived, a number of my deacon friends were there to pray with us one last time. Then I kissed Yolanda goodbye, waved to the group, and followed the nurse to the edge of the lobby and through the door.

After that, my memory stops.

The next portion of my story I’ve pieced together from the accounts of many others. From what they tell me, I entered the operating room laughing and in good spirits. One doctor even thanked me, saying that my cheery attitude made their difficult job so much easier. The surgery was anticipated to take about five hours.

Some eleven hours later, the weary team finished. None of their extensive tests had prepared them to find cancer in other parts of my body. When they were done, they had indeed removed 75% of my liver. They also removed one-third of my stomach, 40% of my pancreas, part of my small intestines, part of my large intestines, my gall bladder, my entire duodenum, and all the connections in between.

To their great relief, I seemed to have come through the ordeal amazingly well. I was expected to be in ICU for about five days and would be hospitalized for another two to three weeks. I’m told I was awake after the surgery, and I expressed my gratitude for the many prayers in my behalf. I remember none of that.

But, in the early hours of the very next morning, things took a turn for the worse. The doctors discovered that I was bleeding internally. They had no choice but to go back in to repair the problem. I signed the papers permitting them to do a second major surgery—less than 24 hours after the first.

Point by point, the doctors retraced their original path, trying to find the leak. By that time, I required massive transfusions and my heart had stopped twice. After opening and re-doing every single one of the original sutures, they eventually discovered a problem with the very last one. It was part of a newly created connection from the pancreas, which they finally were able to repair.

At first, it seemed as though I might pull through this surgery as well. The doctors told Yolanda I was responding better than the first time and that my color was good. But as the hours passed, a new problem became evident.

One of the many vital functions of the liver is to remove ammonia from the body. Because my liver had been so drastically traumatized, ammonia was quickly building up in my bloodstream. This caused my brain to slip into a coma. There was no way of knowing when—or if—I would wake up.

By this time, other members of my family had joined Yolanda—from Pennsylvania, Arkansas, California, and even Hawaii. When they were not at the hospital, most of them stayed in our small home.

The unexpected lengthening of my illness produced an unusual “peace” among the family. Everyone put aside their conflicts, disputes, and differences so they could comfort and support Yolanda and Ethan. They opened their hearts and simply loved us in our greatest time of need.

Few in my family are strong believers, and they were amazed by the outpouring of love that our friends from Brentwood Baptist extended to them. Food, prayers, flowers, visits, and letters of encouragement became a daily occurrence. Many people reached out to help love and care for Ethan.

The Deaf church organized a massive blood drive in my behalf, and the hospital said the response was remarkable. On March 30, a group from the church gathered in the chapel to pray for me, led by the pastor of the Deaf church, Brian Sims. I believe now that may have been a turning point.

Physically, I was still critical. Due to a new infection, my kidneys were starting to fail, so I was put on dialysis. At one point, my lungs filled with fluid and had to be drained, but my liver was slowly beginning to regenerate.

April 3 was my birthday. The usual joy and excitement of my birthday was replaced by my coma and silence. The day simply came and went almost without mention.

Two days later, on Palm Sunday, I started coming out of the coma. The hospital staff discovered I would open my eyes when they called my name. I even squeezed a doctor’s fingers (or so they tell me).

The next day, I slipped back into the coma. But, by Thursday, I was again becoming responsive. I’m told I even smiled at the mention of Yolanda’s name.

Three weeks earlier, I’d kissed my son and waved goodbye to my wife and my friends. While so much activity had been taking place on my behalf, I myself had entered a dark dreamworld.

At first, my dreams were interesting and exciting, but they soon became evil and frightening. At one point, I saw an image of the face of Jesus, as though it was a large painting. It comforted me.

But then as I watched, the colors of the image turned negative and faded into blackness. The nightmares went on and on. I didn’t know where I was. I was paralyzed. I couldn’t see. I couldn’t speak. The terror seemed to last for an eternity.

Then I finally felt myself rising out of the cavern of darkness, and saw someone in front of me. I heard her talking. She was putting drops in my eyes. I must have responded somehow, for suddenly she began crying. She disappeared and others came back with her.

They began to ask questions and realized I was awake, but I was only able to respond using my eyes. I couldn’t move or speak. I gradually became aware of how awful and achy I felt. Many more people gathered around, doctors and nurses. There were more questions, more tears.

Then Yolanda arrived, with the biggest tears and the biggest smile I’d ever seen. She grabbed my hand and with great difficulty I could feel it. It didn’t feel right. For the first time, I looked at my hand and saw that it was huge and swollen. I also discovered that my mouth was covered and I had something in my throat.

This brought a new panic.

During my years with the Deaf church, I’d learned how to sign with my hands. Now I could neither speak nor sign. All communication was taken from me. Only my eyes could express my thoughts, but everyone around me continued to smile and cry. They were so glad I was awake that nothing else mattered. At some point, I noticed a calendar in my room. It was opened to April and that day it was Good Friday.

My return to full consciousness was slow. The coma, the pain medications, and the pain itself took a huge toll on my body and my mind. I remained in intensive care until the middle of May.

On June 6, I was still in a rehabilitation unit when our son Adam was born. I finally came home at the end that month, but was in and out of the hospital for the rest of the year, spending a total of 142 days in the ICU alone.

Last year, in 2010, it was time to rebuild.

I’d spent more than 5,000 hours in bed and my body was emaciated. Eating was still a great challenge. I learned many things about medicine, diet, nutrition, and exercise, and my body began to gradually strengthen.

It took a long time to fully connect thoughts properly. My memory had to be rebuilt. My emotions needed to be healed. The coma was far more devastating than anyone (including me) could have ever imagined. It required many months for me to simply understand what had happened or even comprehend the words people were saying.

Even more significantly, there were relationships that had to be restored. Yolanda had been through an ordeal that was as difficult as my own, and she needed healing as well. My young son Ethan had been separated from me for many months. When I finally came home, he didn’t recognize me. It broke my heart. He needed healing too.

In all things, God was working out His purposes. More deeply than ever, I now understand my total helplessness and His sovereign goodness. I’ve discovered at so many new levels the value of community and blessing of friendships.

I’m learning patience, endurance, and gratitude. I’m gaining wisdom. But most of all, I’m learning love. My life no longer belongs to me alone, but to Him to use as He wishes. I know that every single day is a gift from God, and I want to celebrate every one of them.

While, in many ways, the story of my life will continue to be written, at least two dramatic answers to prayer have resulted from my illness.

The first was a physical miracle. When I went for a checkup last September, my general physician performed extensive tests measuring every facet of my health. To his surprise, the results in every area he tested were perfect. Even with so many organs in my body wholly or partially missing, God had fully restored my health.

The second miracle involved my mother. Her life, before coming to Nashville, had been characterized by pain and emptiness. She’d attempted to go to church a few times, but had never found anything real.

As she witnessed the courage of Yolanda and the doctors and nurses (many of whom were Christians), and even more as she saw the generous and tireless outpouring of love from the people of Brentwood Baptist, her heart began to respond.

Shortly after she returned to California, she called to tell me she had been baptized. I was amazed. I immediately asked her about it, wondering if she truly knew what that meant. To my great joy, I discovered that she understood the gospel fully.

Today, she’s a strong woman of Christ just as my wife is. My prayer going into my surgery was that others would see and experience Jesus through my experience. God answered my prayer beyond what I could have ever imagined.

To God be the glory!]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/05-11/my-story-brian-kingsbury http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/05-11/my-story-brian-kingsbury

One year ago today, Nashville was attacked by torrential rains and unexpected floods. The catastrophic event destroyed homes and left many Nashvillians and others living in Middle Tennessee without electricity, food, water, and shelter. Since that time, this church family has journeyed all year with those who were affected—praying for them, supporting them, and helping rebuild their lives.

Immediately following the disaster, Brentwood Baptist assisted the Red Cross with meals, sent out volunteers to help in clean-up, gave financially to assist in specific needs, and partnered with area churches to provide relief.

Becky Gross, Community Missions Minister at Brentwood Baptist, said, "Not long after the flood, I remember being shocked to learn that it would take our city approximately a year and a half to recover from flood damage. After the flood, many individuals, families, and LIFE Groups responded to the disaster by mucking out homes, providing meals, collecting items, hosting yard sales, giving financially, praying for hurting families, and more."

Here are some other statistics of ways in which our members helped:

• 700 volunteers from Kentucky, Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio were hosted on our campus as they participated in flood relief projects
• 31 Brentwood Baptist member households and 50 non-member households were helped—either through volunteer work or financially
• 7 churches that suffered great damage received financial help, clean-up, and rebuilding: Lockland Baptist, Greater Pleasant View, El Shaddai, Dalewood Baptist, Northwood Baptist, Harmony Fellowship, and Mill Creek Baptist
• $133,973.61 given in financial assistance so far (as of March 2011)
• $54,000 in Lowe's and Kroger gift cards were distributed, helping victims purchase groceries, furniture, supplies, flooring, cabinets, and more
• $25,000 was given to Southeast Nashville Recovery
• $6,000+ in gift cards to Youth Encouragement Services' (YES) St. Luke's location, a neighborhood that was hit hard by the flood)
• $5,000 was given to Graceworks Ministries, a Hope for the World partner
• Provided meals for Samaritan's Purse volunteers from December to April
• Took donations to Graceworks and Christ Church

Meant to give you a glimpse at how our members have banded together and served their own community, this doesn't even touch the ways our members reached out—the things that weren't documented, the meals they provided to neighbors, the hours they spent on their co-worker's home, the many yard sales hosted to raise money for flood victims who are friends.

"Sure enough, one year later, we're still involved in flood relief," Becky said. "Currently, we're assisting Samaritan's Purse volunteers with meals as well as partnering with Southeast Nashville Recovery for the rebuilding efforts in the Antioch area."

One family, who were affected by the flood, wrote a letter to the Missions Ministry in June that said: "We just want to express our many thanks for your continued support in our recent displacement as flood victims. We knew very little about the rebuilding process. the guidance, advice, and volunteers continue to be very much appreciated. We don't think we would have survived without it. We are very lucky."

Tracee, a single mother, described to Becky the raging river in her backyard, and her 4-year-old daughter said it was "raining" in the kitchen. Tracee said, "I stood at the back door… I stood in awe, watching my daughter's sand box floating away and neighbor's possessions floating into my yard."

Brentwood Baptist volunteers responded by repairing Tracee's roof and fence. And because of our members generous giving, she received financial assistant for other repairs.

Later, Tracee wrote to the Missions Ministry: "Since [then, we've] been able to sit on the deck and eat meals and play in the back yard again. Thank you, again, for your time to listen and help along the way. I feel the love. We're a team. We're a family at Brentwood Baptist."]]> Sun, 01 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/05-01/nashville-flood-victims-are-remembered-on-one-year-anniversary-of-disaster http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/05-01/nashville-flood-victims-are-remembered-on-one-year-anniversary-of-disaster As of May 11, click here for the latest updates on how you can get involved.

Back in April 1974, a tornado frenzy occurred, touching down throughout 13 states in 16 hours. According to the National Weather Service, it was the worst outbreak in U.S. history. It covered more than 2,500 miles, killing 330 people and injuring more than 5,450.

After assessing damage from storms that tore through the south this past Tuesday and Wednesday, that 37-year-old record may be broken this month.

This week, tornadoes ravaged towns and communities throughout Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, and Virginia, then slowly moved up through the north. There were 39 tornadoes on Tuesday alone that touched down in the southeast.

So far, 280 deaths have been confirmed and that number continues to rise. Two of Alabama's major cities—Tuscaloosa and Birmingham—suffered major damage, tearing down a major nuclear plant and leaving people without power for an expected minimum of three days.

Homes were destroyed. Cars have vanished. Gasoline is no longer readily available. Food is running out. So, what are we doing about it?

Brentwood Baptist is currently partnering with the Tennessee Baptist Convention (TBC) and Westwood Baptist Church outside of Birmingham to aid in relief efforts, providing funds to help them purchase and transport water and non-perishable foods to areas in and around Tuscaloosa.

Westwood Baptist is also working with the Alabama Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Agency to assess the damaged areas and determine a coordinated relief effort—a process that can take hours and sometimes days to complete.

According to Kim Cox, Associate Missions Minister, members should not attempt to travel to the affected areas. Tennessee, Alabama, and other states have enacted their emergency relief plans, which include utilizing the National Guard to secure those particular areas. In addition, several Baptist state conventions are already setting up feeding programs for victims and volunteers.

We're currently accepting donations by check or online to support all relief efforts. As information becomes available, we'll post updated information for volunteering manpower or resources.

The Missions Ministry would like to remind our members: "Please remember to pray for those who were in the storm's path. In the midst of confusion and grief, pray that every individual would turn to the One who provides hope—our Comforter and Savior."

Click here for the latest information on TBC disaster relief.

Click here for up-to-date information on how you can volunteer, give, and pray.

If you have any questions regarding our response to this disaster, please call Kim Cox at 615.324.6150 or e-mail her.]]> Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/04-28/brentwood-baptist-responds-to-storm-and-tornado-victims-in-southeast http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/04-28/brentwood-baptist-responds-to-storm-and-tornado-victims-in-southeast Change is inevitable—and it always brings along new opportunities when it happens. At Brentwood Baptist, when a shift takes place, you can rest assured that it's always for God's glory and the benefit of His church and kingdom.

On staff for nine years, Aaron Bryant has filled discipleship pastoral roles thus far in the student ministry (2002-2006) and young adult ministry (2006-2011). Preaching, teaching, and discipleship is built into his DNA. It runs thick through his veins.

More recently, you've probably seen him take the stage on Sundays to fill in for Pastor Mike Glenn in his absence. Much like he did Jay Strother, who moved on to assume the role of pastor at Station Hill Church (Brentwood Baptist's south campus) in Thompson's Station, Mike has taken Aaron under his wing to mentor, groom, and coach him toward a larger pastoral role.

At the same time, the growth and forward movement of Kairos has served as a catalyst for a recent staff restructuring. Initiated by the trustees, they asked: "Where has God brought us and where is He moving us in the future?" This question ushered in an answer, in the form of a new role called "Kairos Pastor" to which they asked Aaron to fill beginning April 5.

Since 2005, Kairos has grown and flourished under the leadership of Pastor Mike Glenn and Cathy Patterson. It has become a well-known worship venue for young adults all over Nashville, particularly focusing on Tuesday nights as the main outlet for the weekly praise and preaching experience.

"As the main teaching pastor, Mike has been the main voice and communicator, and Cathy Patterson has provided overwhelming support, direction, and enlistment of leaders and volunteers," Aaron said. "They've made this ministry, which has grown to the large size it has, very effective. They both do a great job bringing their skills and talents to the table of this ministry."

Last year, Aaron accepted the role of teaching pastor at Kairos Roots on Thursday nights, splitting that with his role as Young Adult Minister. Already getting his feet wet in the growing ministry and having an appetite for ministry to young adults, it made for a natural transition to Kairos Pastor.

The new season is for the purpose of taking what already exists and building upon it, while adding a pastor/shepherd perspective through the skills Aaron is bringing with him.

"Mike has a pastor's heart, no doubt about it," Aaron said. "However, he's not able to be involved in the day-to-day discipleship and service ministries of Kairos like he'd like to be. So he and the leadership of our church said, 'We need to determine who can do these things and fill this kind of role.'"

Tuesday nights will remain the same—with the occasional fill-in by Aaron in Mike's absence.

"As a preacher and teacher, there's an opportunity for me to partner with Mike as he continues to be the primary communicator on Tuesday nights. I'll still teach the crowd at Roots on Thursday nights, but I'll also get to help him and the team plan through sermon series, discuss what biblical truth we want the audience to walk away with each week, and structure this ministry in a way where they can tangibly take those next steps."

Discipleship opportunities already exist in Kairos, but you can expect to see that area of the ministry take off because that's Aaron's area of expertise. He's already dreaming with Stephen Fairchild, Kairos Coordinator, on what this looks like.

Aaron said, "Stephen is among one of the most humble and teachable people I know. It's been fun to learn from him about what's been done so far and where we can go."

Cathy Patterson, is jumping into the role of Kairos New Initiatives Minister. In this transition, she's handing off oversight of the day-to-day operations of Kairos to Aaron, which includes Tuesday nights and leadership development.

"If there's the potential for us to open up a campus somewhere else in Nashville or partner with another church or host conferences here, then she's leading that," Aaron said. "It frees her up to pursue new opportunities outside these four walls for the sake of Kairos."

According to Aaron, his first step in leading the Kairos team is simple, but extremely important. He said, "The first thing I'm doing is listening and taking a lot of notes. I'm very familiar with this ministry, but I want to learn everything I can about how to leverage the future for growth. I'm excited about the future of this ministry and where God is leading us."

Jim Baker, Associate Pastor at Brentwood Baptist, spoke for the entire leadership team, saying, "We're excited about this opportunity for Aaron to further develop and deploy his remarkable gifts, passions, and experiences, and we look forward with anticipation as to how God will work in and through him in this new role."]]> Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/04-27/aaron-bryant-transitions-to-new-role-as-kairos-pastor http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/04-27/aaron-bryant-transitions-to-new-role-as-kairos-pastor On April 22, the Tennessean featured a story called "Surgery center has its roots in Williamson," written by Kevin Walters. It highlighted The Shalom Foundation, one of our Hope for the World Missions Offering partners. Here's a recap of the story, which can also be found on the Tennessean website.

As a concert promoter and CEO of the Country Music Association, Steve Moore has spent his life among some of the biggest talents in music.

But one day late last month on a humble street in Guatemala City in Central America, Moore walked through the halls of the children’s surgery center he helped build and all the previous big thrills fell away.

“Walking through the hospital was absolutely the highlight of my whole life and career,” said Moore, who lives in Arrington. “I couldn’t believe what it ultimately became. It just hit me that day what has happened.”

The $1.5 million Moore Pediatric Surgery Center, which is about to celebrate its first month of operation, took the work of numerous Williamson County residents, including city Mayor Ken Moore, the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and several often frustrating years to finish. The center opened in late March.

Built where a clinic once stood, the center gives visiting U.S. surgical teams modern medical facilities in an area plagued by violence and poverty. Its opening also represents the biggest completed project to date for the Shalom Foundation, the Franklin-based nonprofit founded by Steve Moore. It could be the first in a string of other, ambitious plans.

Allison Bender, foundation executive director, sees the center’s mission running parallel with the themes of the Easter season.

“The project is about providing hope and new beginnings for the children and their families and, of course, that’s the message of Easter, the message of forgiveness and redemption and a new start,” Bender said.

Mission trip spawned foundation
Since taking a mission trip in 1998, Guatemala has been a passion for Steve Moore.
A member of Brentwood Baptist Church, he first went to Guatemala City with other church members to help build a school. After several trips, he wanted to focus on helping in other ways.

“I know that for some reason God sent me there, and that’s where I have to stay,” Moore said. “I don’t know why. I just love the people.”

Guatemala is a country of more than 14 million people, many of whom are indigenous Mayan Indians. Government corruption and political violence have become tragic hallmarks there. In its overview of the country, the U.S. Department of State says violent crime is a serious challenge to the country’s political condition and the country’s judiciary system “suffers from inefficiency, corruption and intimidation.”

Add the desperate poverty that many Guatemalans face, and the need to provide help would grow in urgency, even as the challenges might appear to be too great to overcome.

Moore set up the faith-based Shalom Foundation in Franklin to try to help. He chose the word “shalom” for the foundation because it’s the Hebrew word meaning of peace.

He laughs that some people have asked him to reconsider renaming the foundation, since he isn’t Jewish.

“It’s a beautiful Hebrew word,” Moore said, laughing. “Plus, my Jewish friends don’t mind writing checks for me.”

The Shalom Foundation started by launching educational, nutritional and home-building projects and eventually played a key role in transporting Guatemalan children to Nashville for surgery.

Seeing how those surgeries immediately helped the children and their families opened Moore’s eyes to how alleviating a physical illness might solve so many problems.

“The kids that we got to treat and the lives we touched were so impactful that it further validated the fact that we’d love to have our own surgery center,” he said.

Moore would strike up an agreement to host doctors from the Monroe Carrell Jr. Hospital in Guatemala City and then set out to raise money to buy real estate for the center.

Support has come from homebuilder, singer and a mayor
During the center’s construction, Moore turned for help to foundation Vice President Tommy Sanders, a Franklin custom homebuilder.

Sanders supervised construction of the surgery center, sometimes with visits and sometimes with emails from home, which would eventually have three surgery rooms, 17 recovery beds and five pre-operation beds. The project presented logistical, cultural and lingual obstacles.

The center, which offers free care to children, gives the families more than just improved health, but the possibility for more, Sanders said.

“Hope is having an understanding that you can better yourself, and there’s something more to life than what you’ve been dealt,” Sanders said. “When you grow up in a poor situation, if you think that’s all there is, hope is huge.”

Not that construction was without its challenges. Construction would eventually take seven years to complete, including more than a year just to close on buying the site, all delays Moore attributes largely to Guatemalan bureaucracy.

“I said, ‘Tommy, if it was easy, everybody would be doing it,’ ” Steve Moore said. “But it’s not easy and nobody’s doing it. It was a good thing I didn’t know what I didn’t know.”

Several country music artists, most prominently Sugarland vocalist Jennifer Nettles, have offered financial support to Shalom. The band donated $1 from every ticket sold to the Shalom Foundation during Sugarland’s CMT Change for Change Tour in 2007, eventually raising more than $120,000. The surgery center’s operating room has since been named the Jennifer Nettles Operating Room.

“She has remained a champion of the program,” Bender said about Nettles’ work.

To help oversee the center’s medical protocol and procedures, Steve Moore is relying on Franklin Mayor Ken Moore, who is not related to him.

A retired surgeon, Ken Moore met Steve Moore at a men’s breakfast two years ago, and Ken Moore agreed to serve as a foundation board member. A seasoned veteran of medical missions, he wants to ensure the center is comparable to a modern U.S. hospital.

“They don’t have to worry about whether the equipment works. They don’t have to worry about flies flying through the room,” Ken Moore said. “They don’t have to worry about the doors being open to the outside and dust blowing in.”

Though he’s running for election in October, Ken Moore said his volunteer duty at the center would not interfere with serving mayor, if elected. Ken Moore began working on this project first while still a city alderman.

“Certainly, we all are challenged in how to budget our time,” Ken Moore said. “It’s a three-hour
plane ride from Atlanta. I can fly down and be back on Monday.”

Moore estimates the center could see as many as 120 cases a month. Meantime, teams of doctors from Monroe Carrell will continue to fly to Guatemala City and use the new center.

“What the Moore Center allows us to have is a great facility with which to provide this care,” said John W. Brock III, surgeon-in-chief at Monroe Carrell.

Steve Moore wants to stay focused on helping the children in Guatemala City and has other long-range plans to help. The center might be the start of even bigger things.

“I always said to the board that this surgery center is going to transform our mission like we’ve never seen it before,” he said.]]> Mon, 25 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/04-25/ithe-tennesseani-features-hope-for-the-world-missions-offering-partner http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/04-25/ithe-tennesseani-features-hope-for-the-world-missions-offering-partner Not only are churches across the nation jumping on the social media bandwagon, but now the increase in electronic giving among them has skyrocketed a considerable amount in the last few years—and we're on those wagons.

LifeWay Research recently released an article, written by David Roach, about this topic. He suggested the trend in online banking and bill payment has spilled over into the church, with 14 percent of all American Protestant churches offering online giving now.

Brentwood Baptist has been on board since late 2005, offering one-time online giving, recurrent online giving, mission journey giving, and missionary support. According to Lisa Francisco, Business Manager for Brentwood Baptist, online giving is a convenient way for members to tithe.

"I started here on staff in 2002 and people were already starting to pay bills online at that time," Lisa said. "We recognized a need for another way for people to give, so we added this option. Even if someone goes out of town, they can still give online."

According to Scott McConnell, Director of LifeWay Research, fewer Americans are cashing live paychecks or paying through that particular method. While the traditional method of giving by dropping a tithe or offering in the plate as it passes by on Sunday morning is still alive and active, online giving is taking its place among some congregants.

As of December 31, 2010, 14.6% of all budget gifts to Brentwood Baptist were given online. The Business Office took in 5,048 gifts totaling $1.95 million toward the budget, building, Hope for the World, benevolence, and Rockbridge Foundation. Of that amount, 53.6% were ACH gifts (i.e. electronic checks) and 46.4% were credit card gifts.

The breakdown of categories consisted of:
• Brentwood Baptist Campus - 13.4%
• Station Hill Campus - 26%
• Deaf Church - 25.5%
• Kairos - 39.3%
• Hope for the World Missions Offering - 21.2%
• Benevolence - 31.3%
• Mission Journeys - 32.3%
• Brentwood Worshipping Arts - 39%
• Brentwood Young Children's School - 30.5%

Another change at Brentwood Baptist came with the recent installment in December 2010 of a giving kiosk from SecureGive, located in the Connection Center.

"We wanted to give people another option," Lisa said. "We put it in the Connection Center because it was initially geared toward the younger generation—particularly the Kairos crowd—who don't carry cash or checks. But we've found out that a lot of other people are using it as well."

Since it was installed, the Business Office has received $16,960 through the giving kiosk—all without promoting it. Of that amount, 83% were operating budget gifts while 7.7% were gifts designated for Kairos.

According to SecureGive, the giving kiosk provides churches with additional avenues for safe giving, provides a real time tax-deductible receipt (for anonymous and known users), gives credit and debit options, and streamlines all electronic giving.

It's so easy to use that two Brentwood Baptist students utilize the kiosk each week, giving what they can. Lisa said, "That information comes to me because they don't enter an e-mail address. I just think that's a neat story of students who are tithing out of their allowance or small paychecks. It's a story of faithfulness."

Lisa said, "We'll continue to evaluate if this is the resource the congregation wants and whether or not we'll implement this system more on this campus and other campuses in the future."]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/04-19/electronic-giving-increases-with-installation-of-new-giving-kiosk http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/04-19/electronic-giving-increases-with-installation-of-new-giving-kiosk On Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, hundreds of people filed through the hallway between the Worship Center and Connection Center to meet 19 local ministries who partner with Brentwood Baptist. Appropriately dubbed "Get out there! Community Ministries Fair," the event offered opportunities for people to sign up, get out there, and serve.

The morning experience was coordinated by Becky Gross, Community Missions Minister. She said, "It's my hope that we'll be able to do something of a similar nature more than once a year. Creating an experience like this is a great way for our members to see what God is doing in our community and have the opportunity to join in. You would've been hard pressed to not find a place to serve after visiting all the tables at the fair."

Participants included:
•  Christian Women's Job Corp.
• Community Outreach Ministries
• Food Connection Ministry
• Graceworks Ministries Inc.
• Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County
• Hope Clinic for Women
• Living Hope Community Centre
• OrphanCare Ministry
• Project 615
• Siloam Family Health Center
• Southeast Nashville Recovery
• Sweet Sleep
• Tennessee Baptist Children's Home
• The Carpenter's Hands
• The Shalom Foundation
• Welcome Home Ministries
• World Relief Nashville
• Youth Encouragement Services

At the fair, members could get involved and donate material items to the ministry of their choice. Throughout the morning, some incredible stories began floating around, which finally culminated in a slew of God moments and a large group of new volunteers signing up to impact the kingdom.

"As I walked back and forth down the hallway, I was thrilled to see our members learning about how they could plug in and give of their time and resources," Becky said. "Angela Good, satellite coordinator of the Franklin Christian Women's Job Corp, stopped me and said, 'Becky, we've already had so many God moments today!'"

One older man approached the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home (TBCH) table and began to share with the director of his story of growing up at the home. He spent 10 years there as a child. As TBCH is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year, it was a momentous moment for both.

Becky said, "I watched a man stop at each table and pick up every flyer they had. By the time he got to the end of the hallway, his arms were full. I wished I'd had a bag to give him! I asked him how he was doing and he told me he wanted to get all the information he could because he was going to give it to his daughter who had wanted to serve in the community."

Several ministries who participated in the fair commented that they were able to connect with people eager to help, donate, and support them. One such comment came from Mike Barnett, leader of The Carpenter's Hands Ministry, who added 22 new people to his volunteer list, including one builder and an electrician.

Robin Snyder, Volunteer Coordinator for World Relief Nashville, said, "I made some connections with volunteers and even met a man who was a former refugee from the Soviet Union twenty years ago. He'd been resettled by World Relief at that time. I really enjoyed the morning."

Busy throughout the morning with people stopping by, Beverly Rogers, who's the Director of Community Relations at Hope Clinic for Women, said, "I spoke with an adult woman who shared the story of her own crisis pregnancy at 35 and how she was blessed through the struggle and how she wants to be involved with us. I met her preteen daughter as well. … Countless people spoke with me about the possibility of volunteering. I was able to support a couple that came asking about adoption…because their arms and hearts are so ready for a child. Countless cases. Wonderful stories. Prayers for the week."

As Becky chatted with a friend down the hall, the lady mentioned she had a washer, dryer, and two microwaves to donate to someone. Immediately Becky turned and saw the men of Welcome Home Ministries standing at their table. She walked her friend over to their table and they made arrangements to pick up the items they coincidentally needed.

The purpose of the entire experience was connection—a time for people to see the possibility of what can happen when people free up their lives for kingdom purposes. Members were able to get a good glimpse into what their mission offerings do from week to week through these ministries.

"I wanted people to discover how they can use their passions and abilities to bless the people of this city," Becky said. "I wanted them to learn how they could pray for what God is doing all over this area. I wanted them to catch the excitement and jump on board with something great. Serving our community is so simple. Whether it's donating your microwave or mentoring a child, the opportunities are all around us."

You too can be a mentor, purchase diapers for moms, build a home, work in the a food pantry, visit a refugee family, share your faith, tutor children and teens, and much more. To find your place of service in our community, e-mail Becky Gross, Community Missions Minister.]]> Fri, 15 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/04-15/community-ministries-fair-attracts-new-volunteers-for-19-ministries http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/04-15/community-ministries-fair-attracts-new-volunteers-for-19-ministries On Saturday, April 9, 75 key leaders from the various ministries of the church gathered in Wilson Hall for a day of prayer and dialogue on how God may be leading to advance the mission of this church in the years ahead.

Associate Pastor Jim Baker said, “‘Discerning God’s Vision for the Future’ is a multi-month process for gathering input from trustees, staff, key leaders, and the congregation concerning hopes and dreams for our church and possibilities for what God wants to do in and through us in the future.”

Many of the same church leaders engaged in this exercise in 2006 that resulted in the “Acts 1:8 Ministry Plan” that’s framed church objectives and strategies for growth and health since that time.

The 8-hour session included breakout groups, discussing and answering questions around the key themes of our church mission statement: connecting, worship, discipleship, and service. Participants then reported their conclusions to the rest of the group, providing the opportunity for questions and discussion.

“In the weeks to come, the input gathered from [the] variety of listening sessions will be compiled and synthesized by our trustees and staff into several missional objectives that will provide a vision for our church for the next five years,” Jim Baker said.

In late May, the congregation will vote to affirm the new missional objectives. Subsequently, the strategies, tactics, goals and budgets will be developed annually to help us achieve the objectives.

By Steve Smith]]> Mon, 11 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/04-11/church-leaders-meet-for-ldquodiscerning-godrsquos-vision-for-the-futurerdquo http://www.brentwoodbaptist.com/brentwood/news/2011/04-11/church-leaders-meet-for-ldquodiscerning-godrsquos-vision-for-the-futurerdquo